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As curtains closed on the 30th Source of the Nile National Agriculture and Farmers’ Show in Jinja City on August 4, farmers have been encouraged to turn to growing orange flesh sweet potatoes to boost their health and wealth.

The annual show, which started on July 26, was organised by the Uganda National Farmers’ Federation (UNFFE), which said this year’s edition attracted 450 local and international exhibitors, up from 360 who were registered last year.

Ms Winfred Akech, a Research Associate with International Potato Centre, a global Non-Governmental Organisation, said these varieties of sweet potatoes are high yielding, early maturing, drought-tolerant and rich in Vitamin ‘A’ which is useful in boosting immunity in children, breastfeeding mothers and elderly.

“The sweet potato puree can be used for making porridge, cakes, chapatti and mandazi, which, when consumed, help in boosting immunity and increasing farmer’s income. Juice and fresh vegetables are also made from the orange sweet potatoes,” she said on August 3.

She added: “By using orange sweet potato flour or puree to partially replace wheat in baking, there is reduced wheat consumption making it a healthier and cheaper option. Akech further explained that the orange fleshed sweet potato vines, peeling and non-marketable roots can be processed into silage for consumption by animals.

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