KAMPAR: The first commercial planting of “Vitato” sweet potato in Perak has yielded more than two tonnes, opening up new potential for production of the nutrient-rich crop in the state.
The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) director in Perak, Dr Noor Shaeda Ismail, said the pilot project in Kg Redang Sawa here, which began in February, marked a positive start for the variety, previously grown mainly in Kelantan and other east coast states.
She said Mardi was expanding the cultivation of Vitato in Perak because it is easy to grow, has strong commercial potential and offers local farmers a new high-value crop.
“It is sweeter than conventional sweet potato and contains about two milligrams of beta-carotene per 100g of flesh, making it a higher-quality variety,” she said, Bernama reported.
She said Vitato, scientifically known as Ipomoea batatas, also has good market potential, particularly for downstream products.
Noor Shaeda said Vitato flour developed by Mardi could replace wheat flour in bakery products such as cakes, muffins and doughnuts, besides having potential for use in beverages.
She said 1ha of Vitato could produce between 25 and 30 tonnes under optimum conditions.
“At an estimated farm-gate price of RM2 per kilogramme, growers can earn gross income of up to RM60,000 per hectare, with net profit estimated at around RM35,000 per planting season,” she said.
She said Mardi also supplies selected farmers with free planting materials and continuous technical advice under the pilot programme.
