INIA boosts agricultural productivity in Peru with innovation and sustainability.

In a context where agriculture faces significant challenges due to climate change and pests, the National Institute of Agricultural Innovation (INIA) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (Midagri) has made remarkable progress in improving agricultural productivity in Peru. With a 60% increase in cultivation areas with high-quality soils, more than two million small and medium-sized farmers are benefiting from this initiative, achieving a 70% increase in the production of certified seeds. At a conference marking the 203rd anniversary of the country's independence, Jorge Ganoza Roncal, head of INIA, emphasized the importance of this advancement for the national agricultural sector. The transfer of 200 high-value crop varieties has allowed for diversification and enhancement of agricultural production in the coast, highlands, and jungle of Peru. This effort not only translates into greater crop diversity but also significantly improves farmers' ability to face climate adversities and biological threats. The 200 demonstration plots that INIA has established in different regions of the country are a testament to the institution's commitment to innovation and farmer training. These plots serve not only as a reference point for the implementation of advanced techniques but also as experimental fields where sustainable and responsible practices in natural resource management are promoted. The capacity of crops to tolerate pests and diseases has been strengthened thanks to these initiatives. Crops such as potatoes, corn, quinoa, and camu camu have proven to be more resilient, resulting in safer and more sustainable production. This is crucial for ensuring food security in a country where a large part of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihood. Ganoza also underscored the importance of developing crops with high nutritional content. Varieties that contain elevated levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants not only benefit farmers through their market competitiveness but also contribute to improving the diet of the Peruvian population. The health of consumers is an aspect that cannot be overlooked in the production process. The implementation of advanced technologies, such as the use of spectral cameras for monitoring hectares, as well as the production of organic fertilizer, is part of INIA's strategy to promote sustainable agricultural practices. The recovery of degraded soils and the physical and chemical analysis of soil are other pillars that allow farmers to optimize their crops and maximize their yields. INIA has conducted diagnostics on the needs of agricultural producers, allowing it to adapt its programs to the realities of farmers. This personalized attention, along with training in good agricultural practices, contributes to raising the level of knowledge among farmers, enabling them to make informed decisions about their crops. Among the productive chains being enhanced, rice, beans, and sugarcane stand out as fundamental to the local economy. The improvement in forage production not only benefits farmers but also has a positive impact on the genetic improvement of livestock, resulting in a more robust and efficient livestock production. Finally, the implementation of a network of 15 laboratories accredited by INACAL for the analysis of water, soil, and foliage demonstrates INIA's commitment to providing producers with the necessary tools to assess the quality of their resources. By understanding the state of their soil, farmers can make more informed decisions that allow them to optimize their production and, consequently, their quality of life. Through these actions, INIA not only positions itself as a strategic ally of small and medium-sized farmers but also contributes to the sustainable development of the agricultural sector in Peru, promoting a model that seeks to balance production with environmental conservation and social well-being.