Papas negras, papas de páramo

Potato seed stock for the variety known as the Black potato which is native to the high Andes is disappearing as it is no longer used by high tech agriculture nor by home growers. Data taken from 4 communities shows that modernization has introduced new varieties carrying diseases which attack the native variety. Foreign varieties have replaced the native which is no longer in demand nor cultivated. Arguments in favor of re-establishing the Black potato as a commercial venture and as a home grown product are set forth.