Bangladesh’s researchers present a game-changing sweet potato variety

A new variety of sweet potato has been developed by a team of researchers from Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU). Named "BAU Sweet Potato-5," this variety is recognized for being more productive, disease-resistant, and profitable compared to traditional sweet potatoes.

BAU Sweet Potato-5 is three times more productive than regular potatoes. Each plant produces between one to one and a half kilograms of sweet potatoes, with harvesting possible within 90 days. Given more time, the yield can exceed 30 tonnes per hectare, while traditional varieties typically produce just 10.25 tonnes per hectare.

This new variety is seen as a solution to the challenges faced by sweet potato farmers. Many have been shifting away from sweet potato cultivation due to high production costs and unstable market prices. However, with higher yields and the ability to grow year-round, BAU Sweet Potato-5 could help farmers increase profits without additional expenses.

The variety has already been distributed across Mymensingh, Sherpur, Kishoreganj, Faridpur, Rajbari, Tangail, and Khulna, where farmers are reporting significantly improved yields. In Mymensingh Sadar, one farmer noted that 30 kg of sweet potatoes were harvested from just 10 square meters, far exceeding the output of traditional varieties.

Similar success stories are emerging from other areas, including Phulpur, where farmers have grown six to seven sweet potatoes per plant, each weighing between 200 and 300 grams. With such results, many are now switching to this new variety, hopeful for better earnings and sustainable cultivation.

Sweet potatoes play an important role in nutrition and food security, serving as a valuable alternative to rice-based sugar. The new variety also comes in different colors — cream, purple, and orange — each offering unique culinary uses. Orange sweet potatoes work well as a salad substitute for carrots, while purple ones are best roasted, as their sugar content increases when cooked. The cream variety can be cooked or roasted like regular potatoes.

source: daily-sun.com

photo: chowhound.com