Renato Choque, a champion in the production of quality native seed potatoes in the heights of Linde, Colomi
The production of certified seed potatoes at the national level does not satisfy the annual seed demand for commercial production. This is because there are few areas and formal entities and associations registered with the National Institute for Agricultural and Forestry Innovation (INIAF) that are dedicated to the production of certified seed of a limited number of commercial varieties.
In recent years, a couple of seed groups have emerged from the Municipality of Colomi (Linde-1ra Candelaria-Rodeo and Pico Central), which begin to offer certified seed of native potato varieties. These groups were supported by the PROINPA Foundation in the framework of a project for the Improvement of Seed Systems for Food Security of small farmers.[1]. Outstanding among these groups Renato Clash, which assumes the challenge of ensuring a sustained and high-quality seed production of different potato varieties. Over several years, Renato developed skills and abilities, adopting good agricultural practices for seed production of five native potato varieties (Pinta boca, Candelero, Yana Qoyllu, Puca Qoyllu, Huaycha).
[1] Project Improvement of Seed Systems for Food Security of small farmers led globally by Bioversity International with funds from the Swiss Cooperation and executed in Bolivia, in the municipality of Colomi, by the PROINPA Foundation in the years 2014-2020.
Who is Renato?
Renato Choque is a young farmer and member of the LINDE native potato seed producers association. He is the son of farmers who are guardians of potato diversity, who with great dynamism gradually ventured into the traditional production of seeds of local varieties. His enthusiasm led him to lead Linde's group of seed producers to work with PROINPA. The first steps consisted of injecting high quality seed (pre-basic) of four varieties to refresh local seed production. As the years went by, Renato's associated group multiplied three categories of native potato seed (basic I, basic II and basic III) following the formal seed production regulations. In this process, Renato and his associates received training and strengthening of their skills and means for the production of quality seed. However, Renato was the one who most appreciated and took advantage of the new knowledge acquired: gradually he grew as a seed farmer, expanding his native potato plots in areas or places free of diseases. Renato currently offers more than 400 quintals of certified seed of five varieties of native potatoes.
[1] Project Improvement of Seed Systems for Food Security of small farmers led globally by Bioversity International with funds from the Swiss Cooperation and executed in Bolivia, in the municipality of Colomi, by the PROINPA Foundation in the years 2014-2020.
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