Impact of the transition towards a semi-industrial chuno production on the quality and economic viability

In the Peruvian Andes, potatoes have been freeze-dried for centuries for preservation using a natural process. These chuños mean both food security and income security for farmers, as they are sold at a good price in local markets. Moreover, for the white 'chuños tuntas', small potatoes are used that cannot be sold on the fresh market because of their limited size. In this way, this by-product still gets a valuable destination. The natural production of chuños is based on a combination of extreme freezing temperatures, low humidity and high solar radiation. However, this process is increasingly compromised by climate change, forcing farmers to switch to a semi-industrial process. Also, the high labor intensity of the natural process makes more and more farmers turn to alternatives. In this project, AFN investigates how this semi-industrial process can be further optimized and whether the production process can be economically profitable for local farmers. Together with Belgian and Peruvian students, a small-scale production was realized in Belgium and the process parameters were further optimized at lab scale in Peru. Meanwhile, there are also pilot tests in a local factory, and a drying house has been built so that the residual heat generated can be reused for year-round production. We also support the local university UNAJMA (Andahuaylas) in strengthening its social position and impact. On the one hand, the research capacity is updated, and on the other hand, we offer guidance in giving demonstrations and training tailored to the local population. In this way, the results of this project are widely disseminated. OptiTunta is a two-year project supported by VLIR-UOS and is a collaboration with the NGO Trias.