THE ECONOMICS STUDY OF QUINOA PRODUCTION TO REDUCE FOOD POVERTY GAP IN NEW VALLEY GOVERNORATE-EGYPT

Abstract

This research was  undertaken  to  determine  the  economic  importance  of Quinoa,  through identifying  production  constraints  and  economic  features  of  the  investment  as  well  as  the possibility of expansion in its production in ElKharga city, New Valley Governorate, Egypt. Quinoa seeds are very nutritious. Seed, in comparison with other cereals, is higher in protein content (approx. 14.6%).Quinoa is considered an important crop supplement for wheat and it is able to reduce the food gap in Egypt, which it is cultivated in desert areas. Economics of its cultivation in the study area was also assessed.  The results refer to high economic efficiency of cultivating Quinoa in the study area. investment in cultivation Quinoa is economical as the gained profit was higher than opportunity cost, since the return of the pound investor reached about 1.19.In addition to the positive contribution to the national income due to the increase in the added net value compared to the wages based on the social surplus.  This research has highlighted  several  economic  advantages  about  encouraging  farmers,  young  graduates  and investors to cultivate Quinoaas an untraditional crop in the New valley. Then they should be provided  by  seedlings  from  reliable  sources,  knowledge  about  its  cultivation  and  finally production marketing. Increasing the production and establishment  food from Quinoa would result  in  increasing  the  income  and  establishing  some  industries  depending  on  by-products like fodders and fertilizers from leaves and crop west of quinoa.