Saskatchewan Aims To Boost Fenugreek Output

REGINA - Feb 10/04 - SNS -- Two new varieties of fenugreek have been developed which will expand the production possibilities for the crop in Saskatchewan, while a new processing facility is being built which could help establish the specialty spice crop in the province.

On the of the varieties developed at the Crop Development Centre (CDC) in Saskatoon increases the uses for fenugreek, while the other offers important yield advantages over existing cultivars.

Furthermore, the provincial agriculture department argues, fenugreek grows well in Saskatchewan south of the Trans-Canada Highway. Because of this, a new fact sheet, Fenugreek in Saskatchewan, is now available on the Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization (SAFRR) Web site under "Special Crops."

SAFRR's special crops specialist, Ray McVicar, says, "The market for fenugreek seed is currently very small and the crop should not be grown on speculation. But, if the nutraceutical use of fenugreek, or the uses of its component parts, takes off . . . . "

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