KAMPAR, July 26 – 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 Kampung 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 100 grammes of flesh, making it a higher-quality variety,” she told Bernama.
She said Vitato, scientifically known as ‘Ipomoea batatas’, also has good market potential, particularly for downstream products.
Dr 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 one hectare 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.
Meanwhile, pilot project farmer Mohd Zaini Abdul Ghani, 48, said his first Vitato crop had exceeded expectations after he began planting the variety in February on the recommendation of MARDI director-general Datuk Dr Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani.
He said more than 2,000 Vitato plants produced about two tonnes of harvest during the first season, with the produce sold directly to the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) at RM3 per kilogramme to meet local demand.
Mohd Zaini said Vitato matures faster than conventional sweet potato and only requires suitable soil, favourable weather, pest control and proper irrigation to produce quality yields.
