The Federal Government has tasked farmers in the southwest of Nigeria to adopt planting of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP), to further promote wealth and serve health benefit in the region.
Government made the call through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development during a stakeholder meeting at the GMT hall, in Osogbo, the state capital, to sensitise farmers about the potato value chain.
The Director, Federal Department of Agriculture, Karima Babangida, explained that considering the benefits of orange fleshed sweet potato, the ministry resolved to explore the opportunities to achieve food nutrition and security.
“The ministry has identified challenges in the Potato Value Chain; right from the seed system protocols to the marketing of the produce. I urge all stakeholders to cooperate with the government to ensure orange-fleshed sweet potato receive a boost in the agricultural sector.”
The Osun State Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sunday Atoyebi, explained that, aside from the wealth potentials of processing OFSP into various confectioneries.
He said, “Its health benefits can not be overemphasized as it is known to have enough nutritional values to supply the vitamin A requirement for children of ages of six months to 5 years, supports pregnant and lactating mothers and also helps boost the immune system of the elderly. It helps diabetes patients. I urge the farmers to embrace planting of orange-fleshed sweet potato.”