Chile helps Vietnam grow Quinoa crop
(VOV) - Chile’s Agricultural Research Institute (INIA) has supported Vietnam in growing quinoa, a grain-like crop noted for its edible seeds that contain high levels of nutrition.
Quinoa trees can bear chilly weather, drought, and be grown in barren soil suitable for northern mountainous localities in Vietnam.
The Hanoi University of Agriculture and the INIA have developed a pilot project to grow this crop in the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang.
During a recent visit to Vietnam, Ivan Matus, a Country Co-ordinator of INIA’s Genetic Resources Program examined climate and soil conditions in Ha Giang.
He said the Chilean Institute will provide technical assistance to Vietnam to grow two of its Quinoa varieties. If the pilot project proves successful, it will be replicated in other mountainous areas in Vietnam.
Quinoa is considered “gold seed” which contains essential amino acids and is rich in minerals and vitamins and healthy gluten-free. It is also considered one of the world’s most balanced and nutritious foods, which was selected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for astronauts.
The United Nations has declared 2013 as International Year of Quinoa.