By Yop Pam
Farmers in Plateau State have been called to key into the production of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes in large scale due to its nutritional value.
Reverend Father Basil Kassam of the Social Justice and Human Development for peace Initiative, JDPC Jos, made the call at a food feaster titled ‘’Promoting Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes for Nutrition and Prosperity” held in Jos.
The Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes project was initiated in 2004 by Social Justice and Human Development for peace Initiative, JDPC Jos, in collaboration with the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, CAFOD, to improve the livelihood of women and men in vulnerable communities of Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas of Plateau State.
The programme which brought together three hundred beneficiaries also featured the display of various processed products such as flour and pastries from the crop.
In a remark, Reverend Father Basil Kassam said the innovation has empowered the them economically to be financially self-reliant, noting that efforts are underway to extend the programme to other communities.
Some beneficiaries who expressed appreciation for the initiative said it has significantly improved their income and standard of living.
Representative of National Root Crops Research Institute, Mrs. Christiana Pwol gave some guidelines on the farming method, harvesting, transportation and storage of the crop for sustainability.
The Plateau State Chairman, Agro Processor, Mr. Danjuma Mabur identified some additional nutritional value of processed orange sweet potatoes to include vitamins A, fibre and antioxidants.
Also, The Chairman, Potatoes, Marketers and Traders in the state, Mr. Ampe Mathias said lack of suitable storage facility was a great challenge for farmers and encouraged them to explore dry season farming.
A Dietician at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Abigail John pointed out that the orange fleshed sweet potatoes is rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber and micro- nutrients which also supports heart health.
Highpoint at the occasion was the display of cakes, doughnuts, chin-chin and juice produced from the processed Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes while cultural troupes from Foron of Barkin Ladi and Bokkos Local Government Areas added colour to the event.
Edited by Karen Keyen
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