Sweet Potato

Sweet potato is the seventh most important food crop globally and the second most important root crop in sub-Saharan Africa after cassava. It is exceptionally nutritious — orange-fleshed varieties (OFSP) are the most affordable source of beta-carotene (vitamin A) available to African farming families. Sweet potato is fast-growing (3-5 months), drought-tolerant, and grows on marginal soils, making it a critical food security crop. China produces 55% of the world's sweet potato. In Africa, sweet potato is a women's crop — women control its production, processing, and sale. CIP and HarvestPlus have promoted OFSP varieties across Africa to combat vitamin A deficiency in children.

Sweet Potato is susceptible to 1 known diseases. Early detection is critical — use the CuraPlant app to scan leaves and get an instant AI diagnosis.

1. 1

   Use virus-free vine cuttings (30 cm tip cuttings from healthy plants)

2. 2

   Plant on ridges or mounds 30 cm high for good root development

3. 3

   Space at 90 × 30 cm on ridges

4. 4

   Apply moderate phosphorus and potassium — avoid excess nitrogen

5. 5

   Harvest when roots reach desired size (check by carefully digging near base)

6. 6

   Cure roots at 30°C and 85% humidity for 5-7 days to heal harvest wounds

Strategic companion planting reduces pest pressure, improves pollination, and can significantly increase yields.

Active climate zones for Sweet Potato are highlighted below.