Growing and marketing Andean grains

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) and cañahua (Chenopodium pallidicaule) are two traditional grain crops from the high Andes region, grown at altitudes of 3000 - 4500 m. The grains are very nutritious and there is an increasing demand in the urban markets for products made from them. However, cultivation has decreased over the years and genetic diversity has now reached critical levels. PROINPA in Bolivia is trying to revive the interest amongst farmers in growing these crops. Varieties are selected and developed in accordance with farmers' criteria, and farmers are linked up directly with small processing units, which enables them to get a better price.