Peru has exported 30 tons of alpaca fiber worth over US$500,000 in the first seven months of 2018, the Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry (Minagri) informed on the occasion of National Alpaca Day.
Every August 1, the Inca country highlights the alpaca breeding as part of the national culture due to its uniqueness.
It must be noted this also represents an economic activity that has allowed farmers from 17 regions—including Puno, Cusco, Arequipa, Apurimac, and Huancavelica— to emerge from poverty.
Peru currently has the world’s largest population of this camelid, as it is home to 87% (3.7 million) of the global alpaca population.
Alpaca fiber
In addition, the Andean nation ranks as the world’s top alpaca-fiber producer by reaching an annual production that exceeds 4,000 tons.
From that total, 95% is acquired and transformed by the textile industry.
According to Minagri’s projections, Peru will export more than 50 tons of alpaca fiber by year-end.
Alpaca meat
On the other hand, Minagri noted the country produces 28,000 tons of alpaca meat a year.
This meat is characterized by its high protein content (24% of the total) and low cholesterol, which contribute to preventing anemia.
(END) NDP/JAA/MVB
(Andina.pe)