Grand Travel

Well-known Peruvian chef Gaston Acurio said Wednesday that if the Peruvian State promoted a culture of excellence among small purple corn growers, they could be able to expand their markets and dream that one day the world will drink as much chicha morada as Coca-Cola.

He said that although agricultural exports have grown significantly in recent years and have helped position Peruvian products such as asparagus, artichokes, avocado and citrus fruits around the world, the small scale agriculture sector still needs special attention from the State.

"The agricultural industry already knows what to do and the quality controls they must put in place, but the State must also act to help small farmers, make their life easier and help them make their dreams come true," Acurio told RPP.

As an example, he said that in the case of purple corn, research conducted by the National Institute for Agrarian Innovation (INIA) would put more emphasis on developing the culture of excellence that improves the quality of the grain for it to become more competitive and selected.

"Why can't we dream that chicha morada, made from purple corn, is consumed as much as Coca-Cola in the world?" asked Acurio, indicating that this required a complete change of thinking and more political aid to the farmer.

He noted that agricultural exports are perfectly compatible with the small-scale farmer, if the latter is supported with technical assistance to improve their farming systems and irrigation and taught how to connect with other global markets.

He said the most important thing is that the State believes in the famers, make long-term investments in developing small-scale agriculture and promoting access to credit and other resources to improve their situation, livinginperu.com reported, citing an Andina article.

Source: andina.pe