The publication of this Handbook was supported by the Russian Federation

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) as a multi-purpose salt- and 
drought-tolerant agricultural crop
Experimental trials on seed samples and the creation of  regional and national nurseries for the 
propagation, selection, agrotechnological research and seed production of  quinoa (Chenopodium 
quinoa) were undertaken within the framework of  the ICBA Project on Regional partnership for 
increasing the food security of  produce grown under unfavourable conditions in Central Asia.
As quinoa is a salt- and drought-tolerant plant, it has very promising agricultural use as an 
alternative food and fodder crop and it can grow on poor soils under arid and semiarid conditions 
in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan.
Quinoa seed is gluten-free, very nutritious, protein rich (11-18%) and generally rich in saturated 
amino acids, fats, micro- and macronutrients. Quinoa seed yields vary depending on the 
agroecological zone: from 3.8 t/ha (in Karakalpakstan) to 5.1 t/ha (in the south of  Tajikistan and 
in the piedmont regions in the area of  Issyk-Kul Lake). The seeds can be used as health food, e.g., 
to diversify the diet of  children. Chemical by-products including saponins originating from quinoa 
seed are also used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry.
Quinoa leaves are nutrient rich, with a protein content of  8.75-10.85% and a cellulose content 
of  7.68-8.90%. Quinoa inflorescences have a high sugar content of  95.84-92.73%. The above-
ground biomass and seed processing residues are used as cattle fodder.
Great interest in the growth and distribution of  quinoa seeds has been expressed by local farmers, 
householders and private businesses including restaurant chains (Fig. 5.4.2).
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