Sweet potato or sweet potato is gaining more and more popularity among Ukrainian farmers. This is due not only to the unpretentiousness of this culture for growing, but also to a very attractive prime cost, which is about 8 UAH / kg (0.3 dollars) with an average selling price of 70-90 UAH / kg (2.5-4.5 dollars).
So, growing a sweet potato on an area of 10 hectares, a farmer can get a net income of $ 205.126 thousand. The profitability of the business is 180%.
“Sweet potato is a new niche in the Ukrainian market, but in the world it is a popular and fashionable product. Sweet potato is a thermophilic plant. That is why the southern regions of Ukraine have the most attractive climate for its cultivation, ”said Yekaterina Zvereva, Director for Development of the Ukrainian Fruit and Vegetable Association (UPAA).
According to her, with the right selection of varieties and proper care, it is quite possible to get a yield of 100 t / ha. The main condition for growing is watering. Ekaterina Zvereva is sure that it is irrigation that allows the sweet potato to form large tubers.
To achieve high yields, and hence increase the profitability of their agribusiness, the farmer should think not only about growing conditions, but also protection from pests. The widespread belief that the sweet potato is supposedly not influenced by disease is false.
Among the common diseases of this culture, black rot can be noted. Its development is always associated with low temperatures and waterlogging of the soil. In addition, sweet potato also suffers from fusarium. He also faces aphids, spider mites, hawks and other leaf-eating caterpillars.
As for the potential prospects for sweet potato exports, it is worth noting the growing demand for this crop in high-income countries. Sweet potato is in demand in a number of exotic and ethnic dishes in Europe.
