SUSTAINABILITY OF POTATO FARMS IN THE LIMA REGION

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the sustainability of the potato-producing farms and to propose management alternatives for optimising the potato production system under the conditions of the central coast of Peru. Theoretical Framework: Potato is a native crop from Peru with a wide genetic diversity and is currently developed in small farms in more than 300 thousand hectares nationwide. This production generates rural employment therefore it is important to evaluate the sustainability of the production system by agronomic practices that are environmentally friendly. Method: Social, economic, and environmental sustainability levels of potato farms were assessed through the multicriteria analysis, using a survey as the research tool for 127 potato producers in the provinces of Barranca, Huaral, and Cañete (Lima) evaluating the effect of microbial inoculation on the sustainability of the potato production system afterwards. Results and Discussion: It was determined that the potato-producing farms in the Lima region have a low level of sustainability with a value of 1.76 on the weighted scale of indicators used and that it is necessary to implement measures that reduce the vulnerability of the potato crop in terms of soil life conservation and agrobiodiversity management. Research Implications: Regarding the sociocultural aspect of this research, the inadequate degree of social integration and the low level of environmental awareness were constraining factors in achieving sustainability. Significant differences were obtained from the inoculation strategy of seed tubers with microbial strains when compared to control plots in experimental conditions. Originality/Value: It is concluded that the use of growth-promoting microbes in potatoes can be a management alternative to reduce the vulnerability of the crop, increasing the low level of sustainability found in potato production farms in the central coast of Peru.