Camote (batata) en el sistema alimentario del Peru : el caso del Valle de Canete

The greatly expanded production and utilization of the crop during the last decade is a result of several factors, such as: the division of the best land in the valley, which was previously under cooperative ownership, into small holdings; an increase in yields; and the rusticity and ease of adaptation of the sweet potato to the farming conditions and calendar of the small-scale farmer. Sweet potato has the lowest production costs of all crops and allows better risk control in an inputs market characterized by high inflation rates. In the absence of fresh pasture, the year-round availability of sweet potato fodder and the crop"s steady expansion have contributed to the development of dairy cattle raising, and of small-scale animal husbandry that supplements the small farmer"s household income. At present, there is a very active local market for the crop"s roots and foliage. It has also become a source of income and jobs for landless farmers and occasional workers. The fall in real incomes and the low cost per calorie and gram of protein consumed have contributed to increased consumption of fresh sweet potatoes. However, this growth has not been matched by an increased use of agro-industry, e.g., the bread-making industry. Having identified the needs of producers and consumers, and the requirement for an integrated development of the sweet potato as a crop and food source, eight collaborative research projects have been proposed for INIAA and CIP as priority areas for the allocation of financial and human resources for the crop. (Author abstract)