The Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation announced on April 22 the launch of the Wiñay Muhu (ABD Perú) project, which aims to transform agricultural biodiversity in Cusco into economic opportunities, food security, and climate resilience for rural families.
The initiative is significant as it seeks not only to conserve native crops but also to improve livelihoods. Families from Marcapata, Lamay, and Lares districts will receive support to increase their incomes through competitive value chains, technical training led by the National Institute of Agrarian Innovation (INIA), and targeted inclusion efforts for young people and women.
During the presentation in Wanchaq district, Jorge Luis Sáenz Rabanal, Vice Minister of Policies and Supervision of Agrarian Development at MIDAGRI, said: “Esta iniciativa contribuirá a fortalecer las capacidades de los productores conservacionistas, promover cadenas de valor basadas en la agrobiodiversidad e impulsar la participación activa de mujeres y jóvenes rurales, actores clave para el éxito de las intervenciones.”
The Ministry promotes cultural and social well-being through rural inclusion programs and food security efforts according to its official website. It serves agricultural producers across Peru using both its central headquarters in Jesús María and decentralized offices nationwide according to the ministry. The Ministry functions within Peru’s Executive Branch as reported by its official website.
Efforts are also made by the Ministry to advance sustainable agricultural development strategies while supporting legislative initiatives that strengthen agriculture across rural communities according to its official website. Created in 2020 through legislation, it oversees agrarian development programs designed for sustainable agriculture and improved resource management throughout Peru as noted by the ministry.
With technical leadership from the Ministry of Environment (MINAM) and INIA—and coordination with UNESCO—the project reflects broader national goals. These include enhancing food security for producers nationwide according to the ministry’s official site.
