Which crops formed the basis of Inca agriculture?

The Inca economy was fundamentally based on agriculture, which relied on state-controlled irrigation systems to produce significant food surpluses.12

The primary crops that formed the basis of Inca agriculture included:

• Grains: Corn (maize) was a vital staple, often used as a reward for soldiers and in the production of corn beer.23
• Tubers: White and sweet potatoes were essential, with the Inca utilizing the high-altitude climate to process tubers into a dehydrated form known as chuño for long-term storage.425
• Other Crops: The Inca also cultivated squash, tomatoes, peanuts (groundnuts), chili peppers, coca, cassava, and cotton.2

These agricultural products were stored in vast networks of warehouses throughout the empire, allowing the state to provide for armies, priests, and the general population during times of scarcity.413