Quinoa is a grain crop which has gained worldwide attention because of its ability to grow in various abiotic stress conditions such as soil salinity, acidity, drought, frost, etc. Its grain is a rich source of a wide range of minerals, vitamins, oil and high quality protein containing ample amounts of Sulphur rich amino acids. These benefits necessitated the introduction of quinoa to newer areas outside its center of origin (Andean region of Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Chile and Colombia), especially in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

 FAO with the assistance from Department of Agriculture started the project ‘Technical assistance for the introduction of Quinoa toward improved food and nutrition security in Bhutan and Sri Lanka’  (TCP/RAS/3411). The project which identified Quinoa as one of the main crops for which adaptability trials are to be carried out in different location of Sri Lanka. Five varieties are being tested (Blanca De Junin, Amarilla Sacaca, Salcedo Inia, Kancolla and Amarilla Marangani) at selected locations ( Gannoruwa, Sitaeliya, Rahangala, Kalpitiya, Thirunelveli, Kilinochchi and Meepilimana) to identify  adaptability and suitability for commercial cultivation in the country.

Two officers of  Dept. of Agriculture visited Peru to get hands on experience on cultivation and other agronomic aspects of the crop since the crop is a “complete stranger” to the Agriculturist in Sri Lanka. During their visit they could gather information on the genetic resources of the crop, climatic and edaphic conditions of growing locations in Peru, cultural practices, important pest and diseases, and harvesting, processing and value addition.