A Sweet Potato Collaboration by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

Monday 23rd March was the second phase of the “Sweet Potato Regeneration Project”, for five weeks prior today technicians within the Ministry of Agriculture have been engaged in virtual/online training and now today under the tutelage of Dr. Ronald F. Robles Martinez/Research Assistant (Facilitator) these participants are engaged in practical and field exercise.

This training will include the Identification, morphological characterization and cataloguing of the sweet potato here and other countries such as St. Lucia and Jamaica in the region. Some of the expected outcomes from this exercise will include:

  1. Identification of many varieties of sweet potato
  2. Familiarization of the morphological characterization
  3. Cataloguing of the varieties
  4. Cleaner planting material
  5. The ability to cultivate also from tuber and not only from slips/vines
  6. Introduction of nineteen more varieties
  7. Best practices, more favourable conditions and conducive periods for production
  8. Which variety more suited for post-harvest commodities (Agro-processing)

All these accomplishments are benefits that will enable better and larger yields while ensuring viral free cultivation and production.  Antigua and Barbuda is home to over seventy-

three varieties and the is the intention to introduce nineteen more varieties.

Participants were selected from Analytical Services, Crop Research, Extension Division, Plant Protection Unit within the Ministry of Agriculture along with Mr. Bradbury Browne (local consultant) and Mr. Ridge Taylor representing Barbuda.  This project is an ongoing collaboration of CARDI, IICA and the Ministry of Agriculture.