The Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) is conducting tests on 15 varieties of cloned sweet potatoes in Boa Vista, aiming to improve their nutritional quality. The sweet potatoes are being cultivated in an experimental field located in the rural zone of the capital, and the initiative was prominently featured in the recent episode of Amazônia Agro. The focus is on biofortification, where the cloned varieties are developed to be richer in essential vitamins and minerals, thus providing enhanced health benefits to consumers.

Biofortification involves improving plants through natural crossings and selecting the most nutritious variants. In the case of sweet potatoes, researchers at Embrapa are experimenting by crossing different varieties and selecting the offspring that demonstrate higher concentrations of important nutrients. This scientific approach underscores the commitment to ensuring that these crops not only thrive in their growing conditions but also contribute positively to food security and health improvement among the population.

This project is part of a national program aimed at improving sweet potato varieties available to farmers, ensuring that these plants are more productive and better adapted to the local environment. As food insecurity remains a pressing issue in various regions of Brazil, the development of biofortified crops could play a crucial role in enhancing the overall diet quality of local communities and boosting agricultural sustainability in the face of changing climate conditions.