By George Henry, Gleaner WriterSPALDINGS:
THE CHRISTIANA Potato Grower's Co-operative, based in Christiana, Manchester, has indicated an interest in the production of sweet potatoes.
General Manager of the leading importers of Irish potato seeds, Alvin Murray, told Farmers Weekly that the Co-operative's new interest was based on evidence which has revealed that sweet potato production could do as well or better than Irish potatoes noting that there was currently an export potential for sweet potatoes, while there is little or none for Irish potatoes.
He further pointed out that sweet potatoes is now being accepted world-wide as one of the leading health foods, rivalling carrots and citrus. One of the leading nations in the production of the crop is China, which produces about 85% of the sweet potatoes consumed world-wide.
FARMER ASSISTANCE
The Potato Growers Co-operative has stated it will be assisting interested farmers with the proper selection of good quality planting materials, through to the collection, storage and marketing of the tuber.
Mr. Murray pointed out that emphasis will be placed on the quality and treatment of the planting material, as very few farmers were experienced in this areas.
"We have submitted a project to the Agricultural Support Services Project and we see no reason why it should not be approved, because we think it's the right thing at this time," said Mr. Murray.
Mr. Murray also boasted that his organisation has the know-how to match that production with the implementation of its project for the earning of well-needed foreign exchange.
