Argentina (Chubut): Potato cultivation with recycled water is promoted

The work is led by Nadia Arias, a researcher at the Patagonian Biosciences Institute (INBIOP-UNPSJB, CONICET), and Mauricio Faleschini, from the Center for the Study of Marine Systems (CESIMAR-CONICET). The two coordinated the installation of a UV-C disinfection system to treat partially purified household water, which solved the irrigation problems faced by the Ceferino Namuncurá Foundation, especially during the driest months of the year.

The project includes the production of in vitro potato seedlings for commercial and educational purposes. It also seeks to train high school students in the sustainable management of crops irrigated with treated water, promoting practices that could be replicated in other urban and rural areas of the country.

"These trials will allow us to generate evidence and data to eventually change legislation and consider producing food with recycled water, which is key in regions with limited water availability," said Nadia Arias. Faleschini emphasized that this is "a low-impact technology that is highly effective in eliminating bacteria and parasites," opening the door to its wider application.

During an event at the Foundation’s headquarters, CENPAT Director Nicolás Ortiz praised the project’s participatory nature, while Lautaro Merino, head of the Ceferino Namuncurá Foundation, emphasized the importance of moving toward local food self-sufficiency through experiences of this type.