User:Molle20/sandbox

Potential and risks

"adding to the existing text after ...has growing market potential."

There are numerous native varieties in the Peruvian highlands, four have been selected for their beneficial agronomic characteristics. The varieties are interesting for inclusion in breeding programs, aimed to enhance the adaptability of Cañihua for cultivation on larger scales. So far limited investment has been made into the agronomic improvement of Cañihua. One possible reason could be that the Amaranthaceae family consists of plants with comparable characteristics, resulting in potential market competition.

"Adding at the end of the chapter potential and risks"

Compared to quinoa, the value chain of Cañihua from producers to both rural and urban markets is underdeveloped. For the rural livelihoods in South America Cañihua has potential regarding food security, nutrition and self-reliance.

As normally grown under harsh conditions with low weed pressure, this crop could suffer yield losses in varying climates. To overcome the higher weed pressure, planting in rows can facilitate weeding.

Further research is required for improving fertilization, and thus increasing yields. Locally there are good results with sheep manure and nearly no fertilizer needs to be applied in crop rotations with potatoes.