The Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) in Luapula Province has completed the development of 15 new varieties of vitamin A fortified sweet potatoes. ZARI programme officer at Mansa Research Station Dr. Martin Chiona confirmed the development of the fortified sweet potatoes during the Provincial Agricultural and Commercial Show held last week from 15th July 2010 to 17th July 2010.
Dr. Chiona and his team who worked on the fortification research said that the new sweet potato varieties have vitamin A content of up to 13 percent higher than that of carrots which has only a maximum of seven percent. He said that the fortified sweet potatoes have passed the valuation stage and are just waiting for the National Variety Release Committee to endorse their release on the market. Fortified sweet potatoes is a unique option that will provide a cheaper and accessible source of vitamin A supplement to most low income households in Luapula province where high deficiency of Vitamin A has been identified as a cause of blindness.
