Sweet potato, scientifically known as Ipomoea batatas, is primarily cultivated for its sweet, starchy tubers, which are rich in beta-carotene and antioxidants. This plant, with heart- or palmate-shaped leaves, produces tubers in colors like purple, brown, or white, with flesh that may be yellow, orange, white, or purple.

Climate:

Sweet potatoes thrive in warm, humid climates.

• Temperature: Ideal temperatures range from 26-30°C.
• Water Requirement: Requires annual rainfall of 750-1200 mm.

Soil: Sweet potatoes grow well in various soils, from sandy to loamy types, but perform best in well-draining, fertile soil.

• pH Level: Optimal soil pH ranges from 5.8 to 6.7.

Key Varieties:

• Punjab Shakarkandi-21: Matures in 145 days, with white flesh; yields about 75 quintals per acre.
• Varsha: Suitable for rainy seasons, primarily in Maharashtra; yields 62.5 quintals per acre.
• Konkan Ashwini: High-yielding variety ideal for Maharashtra.
• Shri Arun: Quick-maturing, yielding 83-116 quintals per acre.
• Shri Kanaka: Orange-fleshed variety with an average yield of 41-62.5 quintals per acre.
• Shri Varun: Matures in 90-100 days with yields of 80-100 quintals per acre.

Land Preparation:

Prepare the field by plowing it 3-4 times to achieve a fine tilth, removing weeds, and leveling it.

Sowing:

• Timing: Plant vines from April to July; sow tubers in nurseries around January-February.
• Spacing: Maintain 60 cm between rows and 30 cm between plants.
• Seed Rate: Use 25,000-30,000 vine cuttings or 280-320 kg of tubers per acre.

Nursery Preparation: Prepare a nursery for cuttings and tubers, ready for timely transplanting into the field. To enhance germination, soak tubers in a sulfuric acid solution.

Fertilizer Management:

• Organic Fertilizer: Apply 100 quintals of well-decomposed manure per acre.
• Inorganic Fertilizer: Use nitrogen (30 kg), potassium (20 kg), and phosphorus (25 kg). Apply half during sowing and the rest after five weeks.

Crop Rotation: Sweet potatoes work well in crop rotation with rice. In irrigated regions, they can be sown post-harvest of rice in December or January.

Water Management: During the initial growth phase, irrigate every 7-10 days. Stop irrigation three weeks before harvest to prevent rotting.

Crop Management: To control weeds, apply a pre-emergent herbicide such as metribuzin or alachlor. Manual weeding 45 days post-sowing further enhances growth.

Disease & Pest Management:

• Black Spots: Spray 30 grams of Mancozeb in 10 liters of water.
• Root Rot: Use Mancozeb or Copper Oxychloride for prevention.
• Weevil Pest: Apply 200 ml of Rogor per acre to control infestations.

Yield: Sweet potatoes are ready for harvest in 120 days, with an average yield of about 100 quintals per acre.

Storage: After harvesting, ensure proper drying of sweet potatoes, keeping moisture content between 8-10% to prevent fungal growth, which can be harmful to health.