Andean Region
Agriculture development in Colombia promises a way out of illicit trade
Colombia is cultivating the next ‘Superfood’ and it isn’t just admired for its nutritional qualities. It is promising to be a way out for farmers in the illicit trade.

Colombian farmers like Nelson Martinez wanted a way out of narcotics production with an agricultural product that could provide health benefits and be lucrative. That product was Sacha Inchi.
“In seven months, this plant could be in full production, just like the coca plants. That is why we thought it could be a viable alternative because other agricultural products will take much more time to produce and generate income for a family,” Martinez said.
Sacha Inchi is native of the Amazon and Colombia. It is a star-shaped fruit that produces a highly nutritious seed-rich in protein, antioxidants, and fatty acids.