Source: CropBiotech Update

The Agrarian Experimental Station Canaán Ayacucho of the Peruvian National Institute of Agrarian Research and Extension (INIEA) has released a new improved variety of kiwicha, or amaranth grain. The Kiwicha Variety 413, “INIA Morocho Ayacuchano,” has an early germination phenotype, a yield of 3 to 4 tones/ha, and a high grain quality.

The project is in line with the policies of the Ministry of Agriculture and of the Institutional Strategic Program, and aims to introduce new technologies to the Peruvian agricultural sector. The objective is to increase the use of national genetic resources and promote the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector for the benefit of all.

Kiwicha, a natural plant from the Peruvian Andes, and a traditional Incan crop, has been under cultivation for over 8000 years. However, as kiwicha has continued to grow in the wild as a weed, this crop has a very large base of genetic diversity. Kiwicha seeds have a high caloric nutrient content, and provide, besides protein, dietary fiber and minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and manganese.

Read more at: http://www.inia.gob.pe/eventos/evento0128/

Photo credit: El Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Extensión Agraria (INIEA)