CARDI Strengthens Sweet Potato Sector Through Research And Training
The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI), alongside the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, held a field day and farmers’ training workshop for the Improved Sweet Potato Production Technology.
At a training workshop at the Happy Farms Restaurant in Chaguanas, farmers learnt about sweet potato agronomic practices for increasing yield, the management of pests in sweet potatoes, how to determine sweet potato fertiliser nutrient requirements, and how to manage major diseases in the crop.
According to the Executive Director of CARDI, Ansari Hosein, the initiative is geared towards ensuring the development and sustainability of the crop.
« Firstly, we have done a lot of work in terms of varietal introduction and evaluation. We have evaluated, identified, and promoted sweet potato varieties that are high yielding, climate resilient, and tolerant to some pests and diseases. This work helps farmers increase productivity while reducing losses caused by drought and these pests and diseases, among other challenges that farmers experience. »
He also noted that studies have shown that the use of virus-free planting material can significantly increase sweet potato yield, adding that CARDI has been instrumental in the provision of clean and healthy planting material to farmers.
The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture, a technical cooperation development agency, provided funds for the research as part of its commitment to agricultural development.
Ramdeo Boondoo, the owner of Uncle Ben’s Green Gate Farm, which was used to facilitate trials for sweet potato research, welcomed the work being undertaken by CARDI. He said that it will address some of the challenges farmers face as a result of climate change.
However, he argued that the agro-processing market is equally critical to the sector’s sustainability.
« Yes, it’s nice doing all this work, doing all these things, and you are gonna see the yields that we getting between twenty five, to thirty thousand pound per acre, which is very, very good but when you get all those and you spend your money now, where is the market for it? The middle man will come and give you a hundred dollars a bag, is that feasible? No, we need the agro processing. »
He emphasised that more has to be done to ensure the sector is profitable and sustainable enough to attract young people.
As CARDI celebrates CARDI Day 2025 and the 51st anniversary of its establishment, it reflects on its ability to make sweet potato a priority crop in its research and development programmes.
