The International Potato Center (CIP), in collaboration with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), have released a new drought-resistant sweet potato variety known as KC Sweet Purple.
The new variety, which originates from Ghana, comes to solve the climate challenges which has for years affected farmers’ earnings through reduced yields.
“Recognizing its immense potential in contributing to food and nutrition security, CIP and KALRO collaborated to bring this game-changing variety to Kenya, where it was then known as ‘TU-PURPLE.’ To ensure its reliability and performance in different agro-ecologies, the purple-fleshed variety has undergone rigorous testing through the National Performance Trials, a collaborative effort by KALRO and CIP.”
”After proving its exceptional qualities including taste, nutritional value, and high yield, this extraordinary variety has now been officially released in Kenya, under the name ‘KC-SWEET PURPLE,’” read a statement by CIP.
Farmers makes Sh. 120,000 from farming sweet potatoes
The drought-resistant sweet potato variety is widely adaptable but performs well in low rainfall areas in Eastern Kenya, Makueni, Machakos, Kitui, and Tharaka Nithi. Other suitable areas are Siaya, Alupe, Embu, Kakamega, Taita-taveta, and Kwale.
The KC Sweet Purple has an early flowering ability and a maturity period of 120 – 150 days. It has a potential storage root yield of 25t/ha and can yield up to 15.74t/ha.
KC Sweet Purple is also resistant to pests like sweet potato weevils and is tolerant to Sweet potato virus disease.
”The food processing industry is keen to use the variety as a healthy food additive and a potential source of natural food colorant due to its high levels of anthocyanin. Anthocyanin in our bodies is known to have antioxidant capacities. It is also rich in beta-carotene and other minerals like Iron and Zinc.’’ added CIP.
Clean planting material can be sourced from KALRO Kiboko. JUA Sustainable African company decentralized vine multipliers can be accessed from Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services offices in Bungoma and Muguga.