By Bárbara Devotto – Chile

The Azapa Valley, a verdant oasis located in the Arica commune, known as the northernmost valley of Chile, is a paradigmatic case study of the interaction between agricultural biodiversity, environmental pressures, and human adaptation strategies. Its agriculture, which supplies vegetables to much of the country during the winter and now to neighboring Argentina, faces increasing challenges, such as water scarcity and the emergence of pests and diseases adapted to its unique climatic and soil conditions.

In this context, the development of more adapted and resistant plant varieties has become a fundamental pillar for ensuring productive sustainability, reducing dependence on chemical inputs, and preserving the health of local ecosystems.

The Development of Adapted Varieties as a Sustainability Strategy 

Faced with increasing pest and disease pressures, exacerbated by climate change, the selection and development of adapted plant varieties is emerging as one of the most effective strategies for agricultural sustainability in the Azapa Valley.

The goal is to find varieties that not only offer high yields but also possess intrinsic genetic resistance to pathogens of concern, thus reducing the need for chemical control products.

The impact of this approach is multifaceted:

• Reduced use of agrochemicals: The main consequence of using resistant varieties is the decrease in the application of pesticides and fungicides. This not only benefits the health of farmers and consumers but also protects the valley’s ecosystem by preventing soil and water pollution. A successful example in the valley is the validation of bioproducts to reduce the use of agrochemicals in vegetable crops, demonstrating that research and innovation can transform traditional agriculture.

• Improved competitiveness and profitability: Varieties that require fewer chemical inputs are more profitable for farmers. By reducing production costs and the risks associated with pests, producers can improve their competitiveness and ensure a more stable income. The Azapa Valley is already known for its off-season vegetable production, known as “primor,” and the incorporation of resistant varieties strengthens this commercial advantage.

• Resilience to climate change: Adapted varieties, developed to withstand the specific climatic and soil conditions of the valley (aridity, high temperatures, salinity), offer greater resilience to the effects of climate change, such as persistent droughts and extreme weather events. Working with innovative technologies, such as fog-harvesting projects, complements the selection of varieties to address the water crisis.

Challenges and Future Perspectives

Despite progress, the adoption of adapted varieties and the preservation of biodiversity in the Azapa Valley face challenges. The risk of genetic erosion, stemming from a preference for high-yield commercial varieties, threatens the diversity of traditional crops. It is crucial that research programs and agricultural policies promote the conservation of these local varieties, recognizing their value as a source of genetic adaptability.

The future of agriculture in the Azapa Valley will depend on a balance between modernization and tradition. Research, both on pest- and disease-resistant varieties and on clean production techniques and bioproducts, is essential. Fostering collaboration among academia, government, and farmers’ associations, such as ASOAGRO, will allow for the development of comprehensive strategies for sustainable agriculture, improving the competitiveness of producers while simultaneously protecting the valley’s valuable environmental heritage.

Therefore, the development of plant varieties increasingly adapted to the climatic and soil conditions of the Azapa Valley is a key strategy for ensuring agricultural sustainability in the region. By selecting varieties with high resistance to pests and diseases, the use of chemical products can be progressively reduced, protecting the environment and public health. However, this progress must go hand in hand with valuing and conserving the valley’s local biodiversity, which constitutes an invaluable genetic reservoir for future adaptation. The balance between technological innovation and the preservation of agricultural heritage is key for the Azapa Valley to continue being a productive and resilient oasis in the heart of the desert.

– English Magazine