The Peruvian purple corn is becoming a popular product due to a rise in demand because of its nutritional properties and health benefits. Very few countries produce purple corn, and Peru has a competitive advantage due to high-quality varieties that contain high levels of anthocyanin.
From 2016 to 2020, Peru had an average growth in the production level of 2.7% and a 2.4% rise in the harvested area. The largest production areas are located in Lima and Ayacucho, taking up over 50% of the total area. During the same period, the export volume of Peruvian purple corn grew by 8% and 1.3% in value. In 2021, the Peruvian purple corn exports reached 1,017 tons, which generated USD 1.6 million. In 2021, exports showed an 18% decrease in volume from 2020 and a 5% increase in value. In 2021, the average price of purple corn was USD 1.60 per kilogram, 30% higher than the previous year when the average price was USD 1.22.
Source: Fresh Fruit
In 2021, the main export destinations for Peruvian purple corn were the United States, holding a 57.7% market share, Spain with a 13.6% market share, and Ecuador with a 9.1% market share. The United States imported 418 tons of Peruvian purple corn for USD 938 thousand in 2021, representing a 37% increase in volume and a 41% increase in value over the previous year. Spain imported 90 tons of Peruvian purple corn for USD 222K in 2021, representing a 17% decrease in volume and a 14% drop in value compared to 2020. In 2021, Ecuador imported 230 tons of Peruvian purple corn for USD 148K, representing a 44% drop in volume and value compared to the previous year.
Source: Portal Portuario
As part of the activities to promote the second agrarian reform, the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (INIA) provides technical assistance to producers to increase the growth of purple corn with high-yield varieties. Research indicates the INIA 601 variety is the most profitable since it has higher yields per hectare and has high pigmentation due to anthocyanin, which increases the potential profitability of each hectare. INIA 601 allows farmers to harvest up to 5,200 kilograms of purple corn per hectare compared to 3,500 kg of the other varieties, generating USD 2,700 in additional income per hectare. Regional governments are also implementing local campaigns to increase production and increase the quality of crops.
Twelve of the 13 provinces of Cajamarca cultivate INIA 601 purple corn. San Ignacio is the only province that does not harvest purple corn, but is planning on starting soon. The local government in Cajamarca evaluated the crop growth, the sanitary control of the plant, the application of ecological fertilization with biological controllers, the agricultural soil analysis, and the irrigation systems to help farmers improve the quality of their crops and increase production. Forecasts indicate Cajamarca will increase the production of purple corn during the May and June campaign.
The District Municipality of Yarabamba is training over 88 men and women on the proper land preparation and fertilization for harvesting purple corn. Yarabamba increased its production area by 40 hectares in the past two campaigns. Farmers began this purple corn harvest the second week of April, and it usually lasts approximately 45 days. So far, this season projects an average production of 6 tons per hectare, with larger cobs, more grains on the cob, vibrant color, and good quality.