ZAMBIA AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE RELEASES NEW SWEET POTATO VARIETIES IN MUSHINDAMO

By SOPHIA MUSONDA

The Zambia Agricultural Research Institute at Mutanda Research Station in Mushindamo.

Speaking at a field day in Mushindamo, Gloria Siluchali who is also an agronomist at Mutanda Research Station revealed that the orange sweet potato varieties released are rich in vitamin A and are a nutritious variety that can fetch high prices on the market compared to other varieties.

“We have brought these improved varieties for you farmers here in Mushindamo so that you can compare with other varietie,” Ms Siluchali said. 

Ms Siluchali who explained the benefits of growing improved varieties said that the new varieties high yielding and can be used for baking which is good for value addition.

She implored farmers to diversify their farming into other crops such as sweet potatoes which are high yielding and can be grown in the shortest time compared to maize.

“We want farmers to start planting the improved varieties that is why we have distributed the vines to a number of farmers in Mushindamo so that they adopt them,” she said.

Meanwhile, Luamala Agricultural Camp Committee chairperson Roman Nyunshi in a vote of thanks expressed appreciation to Government for the programmes that are being introduced meant to help farmers improve on their agricultural production.

Mr. Nyunshi assured the District Agricultural Coordinator of farmers support when new programmes are introduced in the Camp.

 Mushindamo District Agricultural Coordinator Evans Mtonga has urged farmers in the district to adopt new farming technologies that government is introducing in order to increase agricultural production.

Mr Mtonga commended farmers for their contributions and encouraged them to grow improved sweet potato varieties such as the ones being promoted by ZARI because of their benefits. 

“Vitamin A fortified foods like sweet potatoes are very good for brain development in children and adults and therefore I encourage you to plant these varieties that are being promoted,”  Mr. Mtonga said. – NAIS.