LIMA, July 1 (NNN-ANDINA) — The “National Day of Andean Grains” (including quinoa, cañihua, kiwicha or amaranth, and tarhui or chocho) is commemorated every June 30. Given their high protein and nutritional content, they are also called “Superfoods.”
The cultivation of Andean grains is the economic livelihood for more than 125,000 families of small producers nationwide, the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri) reported on Friday.
The same reports from this sector indicate that it was possible to produce 8,000 more tons of the four Andean grains during 2022 compared to the previous year, reaching a production of approximately 142,300 tons.
This made it possible to generate around 6 million wages in the field and many more in the areas of processing, transportation, industrialization, research, and others related to value chain development.
Besides, quinoa experienced an increase of around 6.2% in production last year compared to 2021, with around 6,600 additional tons, reaching a total of 113,400 tons.
Of the four Andean grains, quinoa accounted for about 85% of the total production of these crops, and close to 50% of the total produced is exported, with the domestic market being the main destination for cañihua and tarhui, according to Midagri.
Andean grains nationwide represent the livelihood for more than 125,000 agricultural families, being Puno, Ayacucho, Cusco, Apurimac, La Libertad, Cajamarca, Huancavelica, Arequipa, Junin, among others, the regions with the highest production.
Concerning agro-exports, quinoa shipments to over 50 countries led to around US$100 million in foreign sales during 2022.
Peru remains the world’s leading producer and exporter of quinoa, surpassing Bolivia, Midagri highlighted.
Currently, quinoa and other Andean grains continue being prioritized by the agriculture sector at the main level, as well as in several regions due to their various qualities, in addition to being resilient to climate change, it noted.
Given their high content of iron and other nutrients, they are included in the “National Campaign to Fight Anemia,” the government agency added.
Within the framework of the “Central Day of Andean Grains 2023” various activities were held, one of the most important being the celebration of the VIII National Meeting of Andean Grain Producers 2023. This year, the 10th edition of the “National Day of Andean Grains” was commemorated in Cusco.
It was possible to establish an alliance among Cusco Region Government, the Municipality of Cusco, the Regional Technical Roundtable for Cusco Andean Grains, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, PromPeru, and Midagri, with the purpose of joining efforts that contribute to a greater productive and commercial dynamism of these valuable foods. — NNN-ANDINA
