Paraguay (Ybytymí): Phytophthora attacks potato crops and producers report lack of technical assistance.

The producers, who represent some 205 families engaged in family farming, reported that their crops are being rapidly destroyed by the pest or disease. They allege that, despite having reported the situation to the agricultural authorities, they have not received timely technical assistance, increasing their despair due to the rapid spread of the disease.

The Paraguarí Agricultural Development Center (CDA) emphasizes the importance of participating in talks on potato crop prevention and management.

The producers’ association, chaired by Alfredo Gamarra , warned that the situation is jeopardizing the rural economy, as many families are in debt to credit institutions and suppliers and depend on this sector for their livelihood.

In this regard, they held the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) responsible for the lack of technical assistance, expressing their “rejection and dissatisfaction” towards the director of the DEAG, Ing. Sketch Table; the manager of the CDA of Paraguarí, Ing. Adrian Jara; the technician of the Local Technical Assistance Agency (ALAT) of Ybytymí, Dr. Vet. Luis Paiva; and the national potato and onion coordinator, Eng. Agr. Diego Garcete.

The CDA, headed by agricultural engineer Adrián Jara , issued a statement recognizing the high demand for technical assistance in the area, where the number of technicians is limited compared to the large number of producers.

Talks on pest prevention and control

The CDA manifesto notes that field days and training sessions have been held to provide farmers with clear tools for managing potato and onion crops, but only four producers from this organization participated.

DEAG technician Luis Paiva provides assistance to producer Eulalio Moreno after his crop was affected by pests.

Therefore, they assert that their active participation in talks and field days is essential for the prevention and control of pests and diseases.

Regarding the possible presence of "potato blight," the CDA clarified that the situation is being investigated. To this end, technicians from the CDA and the National Service for Plant and Seed Quality and Health (Senave) will take samples from the farms to confirm the diagnosis and recommend appropriate management measures.

DEAG technicians are already touring potato farms, leaving instructions for producers so they can save their crops.