The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) is presently involved in a Sweet Potato Research Project.

This initiative is being executed through a collaborative effort between CARDI and the University of the West Indies (UWI), spearheaded by UWI Delegate, Dr. Oral Daley. The research is conducted under the Regional Sweet Potato Value Chain Enhancement and Technology Transfer Project, funded by the World Bank.

CARDI’s Representative Mr. Donawa Jackson, Research Assistant Mrs. Juanique Osorio-Daniel for the Sweet Potato Project and Coconut Project Consultant Mr. Leroy Jackson made visits to the farm plots in Brighton, Argyle, and San Souci, where the ongoing research is being conducted.  These plots are strategically arranged across agro-ecological zones selected to facilitate research based on environmental factors.

Mr. Donawa Jackson highlighted the specific cultivars, CARDI K 847, Big Red, Agriculture, Jackson Vine, and Rasta, among 21 cultivars from the CARDI germplasm collection that are studied.  Juanique Osorio-Daniel, the Research Assistant for the Sweet Potato Project, provided an overview of her responsibilities, emphasizing the procedural aspects involved in sampling various sweet potato cultivars.  Mr. Jackson also expressed gratitude to the farmers of the South Windward Agricultural Progressive Cooperative (SOWAPCO) and Mrs. Audery Walters-Butler, for granting CARDI the opportunity to conduct the research. Additionally, he extended thanks to Coconut Project Consultant, Mr. Leroy Jackson for providing technical assistance.

SOURCE:  Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Labour and Industry