As part of a training cycle aimed at improving agricultural practices in the region, a new educational session on garlic crop management will be held next Tuesday, August 27 at the INTA experimental station in Rama Caída. This initiative seeks to offer technical tools to producers and those interested in starting the production of this vegetable, considered one of the pillars of agriculture in Mendoza.
Eliana García, a member of INTA Rama Caída and in charge of providing details about the training, explained the relevance of this type of activity for agricultural development in the south of the province. “Mendoza is the leading producer and exporter of garlic in Argentina, and that is an achievement that we must sustain and improve over time,” García highlighted, emphasizing that the province leads the sector at a national level, followed by San Juan, Buenos Aires and Córdoba. Regarding the southern region, she specified that “7% of production is involved in this area, with some 600 hectares dedicated to garlic cultivation, of which 300 are in San Rafael.”
Garlic cultivation in the region has shown sustained growth in surface area in recent years, which motivated the organization of a series of training sessions that began in June, with the first session dedicated to planting and fertilization. “The first training session was in June, and we covered topics such as planting and fertilization,” said García. However, he clarified that “it is not necessary to have attended the first training session to participate in the second. This session will focus on other cultural practices, and there is always a space for exchange so that attendees can clear up doubts and share experiences.”
One of the central themes of the training will be the diversity of garlic varieties grown in the region. Although the general public usually only recognizes white and red garlic, García explained that “there are many more varieties, such as purple and Chinese garlic, and within each of these categories, there are various subvarieties.” For example, he mentioned that “within the white garlic we can find varieties such as Killa INTA, and within the red garlic, Rubi INTA.”
Despite this diversity, he stressed that “cultural farming practices are similar for all varieties.” The most significant differences are found in the sowing and harvesting times, which can vary depending on the variety. “Some garlic is sown in February and others in March, and planting can even continue until April. Then, the harvest can start at the end of October, continue in November and extend until the first days of December,” he explained. This variability allows “from February to December there is activity in the garlic fields, depending on the varieties being cultivated.”
Another relevant aspect that will be addressed in the training is the adaptation of garlic cultivation to the climatic conditions of the region. “In our area, cold is not a limitation for garlic cultivation,” said García. However, he warned that “low temperatures can delay growth, and it is common to see the leaves take on a more yellowish tone, but this does not significantly affect the crop.” The main concern in the region is “the restrictions on access to water during the winter, something typical of the area, which can be a limitation if there is no technological irrigation system.”
García stressed the importance of these training courses for those who are already in the activity and for those who are looking to start growing garlic. “These types of activities are essential to continue growing as a producing region and to improve the quality of our garlic, which is recognized nationally and internationally,” he said. “INTA’s doors are always open to welcome all those interested in learning and improving their agricultural practices.”
The training day will take place on Tuesday, August 27 at 10 a.m. at the Rama Caída experimental farm, located on El Vivero street, without number. García stressed the importance of punctuality to make the most of the activity and assured that “the producers already know the place and know how to get there.” The call is open not only to current producers, but also to those who wish to start producing garlic, a crop that is constantly growing in the region.
