The Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation celebrated more than 239,000 corn producers on May 5, recognizing their role in food security and the prominence of Peruvian corn varieties internationally.
This announcement comes as national production reached 856,000 tons in the past year, spanning 233,000 hectares across 20 departments. The ministry said that family farming is a key driver behind this achievement, with amilaceous corn serving both as an economic resource and a symbol of cultural identity.
Production is regionally concentrated: Cusco, Apurímac, Huancavelica, and Cajamarca account for about 60 percent of amilaceous (dry grain) corn; Junín, Áncash, Cusco, Cajamarca, and Ayacucho lead with about 55 percent of fresh corn (choclo), while Lima and Ica are experiencing growth. Of total output nationwide, choclo represents about 53 percent; dry grain makes up around 45 percent; purple corn accounts for roughly two percent.
Peru is recognized as a center of origin for this crop with over fifty native races. The ministry reported that exports generated more than $46 million last year from products such as Maíz Blanco Gigante del Cusco and choclo reaching markets in the United States, Spain, Japan, Ecuador and Chile. “La producción nacional alcanzó las 856 mil toneladas, consolidándose como pilar de la agricultura familiar,” said the Ministry in its statement. “El Perú se consolida como centro de origen con 52 razas nativas… la demanda internacional sigue al alza.”
The Ministry promotes cultural well-being through rural inclusion efforts according to its official website. It operates from central headquarters in Jesús María along with decentralized offices throughout Peru according to its official website. The agency functions within Peru’s Executive Branch according to its official website.
Looking ahead, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to providing technical assistance and market access for rural families: “El MIDAGRI reafirma su compromiso de seguir brindando asistencia técnica y acceso a mercados para que la riqueza de nuestros suelos siga transformando la vida de miles de familias rurales.” The ministry continues to advance strategies supporting sustainable agricultural development according to its official website, serves producers nationwide according to its official website, and supports legislation strengthening rural development according to its official website.
