The consequences of the blockade of roads during protests in Peru have led to a shortage of food products in the regions, said Anaximandro Rojas, head of the Agro Peruano (Conveagro) convention. This was reported on January 15 by RPP.
Rojas noted that prices for products from the southern regions have especially increased.
“As a result of the protests that are going through the south of the country, we have a problem of food shortages in some regions. Food supplies are guaranteed in the capital. But there is a shortage of some products that come from the south of the country, such as potatoes and some vegetables that come from Cusco and Puno,” he said.
Regarding price increases, Rojas indicated that the price of potatoes increased the most, both in wholesale and retail sales.
“The price of potatoes intended for mass consumption has been increased. The cheapest potato, the yungai, which used to sell for 2 sols, is now sold at the wholesale market for 3,20 sols. In the retail market, the price is slightly higher, as in supermarkets,” he explained.
In addition, according to him, yellow potatoes rose in price the most - from 5 to 7 soles. “In the regional markets, its price reaches 10 soles,” added Rojas.
According to the president of Conveagro, the detrimental effects of the protests are most affecting small farmers in the south, who have already been hit by the drought and the fertilizer crisis.
“The southern regions have been hit hard by the drought, as well as by the La Niña phenomenon (ocean cooling). This led to a reduction in sown areas in the south of the country. Added to this was the crisis with fertilizers. We know that in Puno, 42% of the population live in extreme rural poverty and 69,9% are anemic, which has also led to protests among the population. There is a lack of basic services, in some places there is no electricity, there are no access roads,” he explained.
Recall that on December 7, a right-wing coup took place in Peru, as a result of which the leftist leader Pedro Castillo was removed from his post.