Abstract

In sweet potato (Ipomaca Batatas) one finds an effective combination of high nutritive value and ease in production under varied conditions of soil and clinate. Added to this its heavy yield makes its cultivation an attractive proposition. It is a dual purpose crop in that the tubers are used as food and vegetable and the green vine forms a palatable and nutritious fodder for cattle. The crop is a native of West Indies and Central America and is known to thrive best in a tropical climate. It is widely cultivated in this country and in Madras, special mention has to be made of Northern circars, West Coast, Tinnevelly, Coimbatore and Madura where its cultivation is well known. A Plea to increase its production and widen its use is warranted in view of the deficiency of food in our province. In what follows is embodied information on its cultivation and use as a food crop with special reference to its cultural methods in Northern Circars.

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