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Earth

Poor farmers to guard Earth's crop riches

By Andy Coghlan

10 June 2009

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

A Quechua Farmer working the land in Puru. These farmers now play a major role in protecting the world’s crops

(Image: Eye Ubiquitous / Rex Features)

Crops like potatoes are afforded greater protection under the care of Quechua Indians in Peru

Crops like potatoes are afforded greater protection under the care of Quechua Indians in Peru

(Image: Christian Kargl / WestEnd61 / Rex Features)

IF YOU like potatoes, chances are you will one day owe some measure of thanks to the Quechua Indians of Peru. That’s because they will be making sure that potatoes continue to be available whatever the vagaries of future climate change. The Quechua (pictured) are among the first recipients of…

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