-Minister Mustapha says the grain could be Guyana’s next major crop

WITH Guyana eyeing the production of quinoa, an edible seed that is becoming increasingly popular in the Unites States and Europe, a field trial will soon commence in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Agriculture Minister, Zulifikar Mustapha, has said.

During an interview with the Guyana Chronicle on Sunday, Minister Mustapha said the grain which has numerous health benefits, promises to be the next major crop alongside wheat, to be grown in Guyana.

Mustapha further explained that the Ministry, through the National Agricultural Research and Extensive Institute (NAREI), will support a team led by an overseas-based Guyanese agri-business, Felix Quinoa Farming Industry (FQFI), in a field trial for its introduction and future large-scale production in the country.

“I met with the team that want to start production of quinoa in Guyana. Those are some foreign-based Guyanese that have land in Berbice. [They] want the ministry and NAREI to work with them to start the introduction.”

According to the minister, quinoa has been taking the regional markets by storm and Guyana has the potential to soon become a producer.

“NAREI is going to work along with them because it is possible that we can grow it because we have been importing a lot now. Quinoa is taking [over] the market now and a lot of people [are] using that instead of rice because it is healthier,” he added.

Representatives from the group were recently in Guyana and are set to make a return trip soon to finalise plans with the ministry to commence a trial run for three months.

“The group will be coming back shortly. Since they have their own land, I will see what technical help [we can give] and also if they need other help. I will work along with them very closely to start the trial,” he told this publication.

Once the trial is successful, the ministry will move to have the grain produced on a larger scale.

“Hopefully we can get a breakthrough there and start producing our own quinoa,” Minister Mustapha said.

Discussion for the production of quinoa in Guyana has been in the works since 2015, when FQFI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Agriculture Ministry outlining areas of partnership for the introduction and production of the grain.

Trials were scheduled to commence in September 2017; however, the previous MoU was not fruitful.

Quinoa is a herbaceous plant known for its tiny, bead-shaped edible seeds which are slightly bitter and have a nutty flavour. It has more than 200 varieties which can be classified based on the areas in which it is grown. Unlike wheat and rice, quinoa is a complete protein – containing all eight of the essential amino acids. The most common versions available are white, red, and black quinoa.

It has been recognised by the United Nations as a ‘super crop’ for its significant health benefits. It is also gluten-free and easy to digest. Quinoa contains twice as much fiber than any other grain and also has iron, magnesium, Riboflavin (B2), and a high content of manganese.