Sweet potato shortage hits Barbados as viruses devastate crops

A virus outbreak is devastating sweet potato crops in Barbados, slashing yields and causing prices to skyrocket. The Ministry of Agriculture is working on a long-term solution, but implementation will take time.

Producers across the island are facing severe challenges, reporting an island-wide shortage caused by the spread of multiple viruses. According to a local farmer, prices have soared, with a pound (0.45 kg) of sweet potatoes now costing up to $7, compared to $2 previously.

In one of the major farms in St. Philip, a 10-acre field that once produced 50,000 pounds (22,680 kg) now yields just 5,000 pounds (2,268 kg). The older C104 sweet potato variety has been hit hardest, but newer types like “look-a-like” and “carrot” are also struggling. The virus has been building up in the older C104 variety over the years, leading to its vulnerability. Even the newer varieties, though slightly better, are producing smaller, scraggly tubers instead of healthy ones.

The virus has also increased production costs. Farmers now rely on higher levels of fertiliser to maintain any sort of yield. Without soil rich in potassium and phosphorus, production suffers, with some fields producing as little as 5 pounds (2.27 kg) per rod compared to 25 pounds (11.34 kg) in the past.

The crisis is further complicated by adverse weather, extended crop maturation times, and rising demand. Sweet potatoes, which used to mature in 14–16 weeks, now take up to 24 weeks for the C104 variety.

The Ministry of Agriculture is addressing the issue by developing virus-free planting materials through tissue culture. Acting Chief Agricultural Officer Michael James said the ministry is producing clean sweet potato slips to reduce the disease burden, but scaling up distribution will take time. Farmers are encouraged to multiply these clean slips on their farms to boost production.

source: barbadostoday.bb

photo: forbes.com