KAMPAR: The first business planting of “Vitato” candy potato in Perak has yielded greater than two tonnes, opening up new potential for manufacturing of the nutrient-rich crop within the state.
The Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) director in Perak, Dr Noor Shaeda Ismail, stated the pilot venture in Kg Redang Sawa right here, which started in February, marked a constructive begin for the variability, beforehand grown primarily in Kelantan and different east coast states.
She stated Mardi was increasing the cultivation of Vitato in Perak as a result of it’s simple to develop, has robust business potential and presents native farmers a brand new high-value crop.
“It is sweeter than conventional sweet potato and contains about two milligrams of beta-carotene per 100g of flesh, making it a higher-quality variety,” she stated, Bernama reported.
She stated Vitato, scientifically often known as Ipomoea batatas, additionally has good market potential, significantly for downstream professionalducts.
Noor Shaeda stated Vitato flour developed by Mardi might exchange wheat flour in bakery merchandise equivalent to desserts, muffins and doughnuts, in addition to having potential to be used in drinks.
She stated 1ha of Vitato might produce between 25 and 30 tonnes beneath optimum situations.
“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 stated.
She stated Mardi additionally provides chosen farmers with free planting supplies and steady technical recommendation beneath the pilot programme.