Midagri releases new bean variety to improve profitability of small producers

The Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri) through the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (INIA), approved the release of the new variety of broad bean called “INIA 444 – SIWINA”, which is a technological alternative to improve productivity and profitability of producers in the Andean region.

It is a new product to improve the productivity and profitability of broad bean producers in the different environmental conditions of the Andean region, between 3,005 and 3,851 meters above sea level, in addition to exhibiting high productivity and good grain quality for the market.

The broad bean variety INIA 444- SIWINA has an average yield of 3,037 tons per hectare and a potential yield of 3,851 tons per hectare, resistant to the attack of the “chocolate stain” (Botrytis fabae), of the leaf rust (Uromyces fabae ) and viruses (BBMV, BBSV), the main diseases that affect the yield of this crop in the country.

The brand new cultivar has been developed by the National Program of Cereals, Andean Grains and Legumes in the area of ​​the Agrarian Experimental Station “Andenes”, and it is expedited for its release, for which it corresponds to issue the chief resolution authorizing its release.

It is worth mentioning that at the national level, the largest bean cultivation areas are located in Cusco, Puno, Huancavelica, Huánuco Ayacucho and Cajamarca. For example, 84% of the production goes to the domestic market, while 16% goes to export, as well as the income from the sale benefits more than 140,000 farmers.

The sector minister, Víctor Maita, reiterated that as part of the second agrarian reform, small producers of family farming will be provided with the technological tools to enhance their crops and raise their animals, in order to raise living conditions of peasant families.