Diffusion of bio-inputs for the sustainable production of vegetables in the Andes

Sustainable intensification Strategy 1. Farms Technological Basic Integrated Pest Management 2012 Closed

Code:

FTG/RF-9006-RG

Initiative:

Call for Proposals

FONTAGRO Amount:

USD 40.000

Counterpart Amount:

USD 49.000

Execution time

18 Months

Total Amount:

USD 89.000

Participating countries:

Bolivia

Colombia

Funding source:

FONTAGRO Amount 45% Other agencies 0% Counterpart Amount 55%

Executive Summary

The Andean region is characterized by a great diversity of ecosystems with different climatic and geomorphological conditions that have generated great genetic diversity. These ecosystems are being degraded by the excessive use of agrochemicals, creating alterations to the environment and human health. The scarcity of resources of the Andean producers, the high levels of poverty (90 to 95%) and the low level of education (no more than third or fourth year of school) are the main restrictions to explore new production alternatives. Based on this problem, years ago FONTAGRO financed the project FTG-7075/07 - "Development of bio-inputs for sustainable vegetable production with small farmers for food sovereignty in the Andes" that generated strains and protocols to identify and use beneficial microorganisms as biocontrollers, biofertilizers, and inoculants for the production of vegetables in the Andean region. The objective of this project was to document and disseminate the knowledge and impacts of the previous project through documentation, workshops, courses, manuals, conferences and articles.

The technological solution

Dissemination of information on the development and use of biofertilizers, biofungicides, biopesticides and growth promoters with the potential to replace the traditional ones generated by chemical synthesis. Most of these products can be produced locally by communities or small specialized companies.

Results

Up to 20% increase in yield from the use of biofertilizers and biopesticides in onion, potato, lettuce, tomato, corn and quinoa.
20 protocols for the evaluation, isolation, reproduction of microorganisms beneficial for agriculture.
Disclosure brochures on the management and use of Efficient Microorganisms.
7 scientific articles.