Sweet potatoes have become a main topic in St. Kitts and Nevis as they have become scarce due to climate change and other disease-related issues.

In addressing the challenges faced in sweet potato production, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Marine Resources is seeking international assistance to revive the crop.

According to a release from the department, farmers are currently facing challenges and has partnered with the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the International Potato Center (CIP) in Peru.

Sweet potatoes are a popular crop and the demand is high here in the federation. Under the direction of Permanent Secretary, Miguel Flemming, said that the Ministry is guided to address these problems and aim for a long-term viability of the crop.

The Ministry’s partnership with CIP will focus on training farmers, strengthening capacity, and enhancing laboratory efforts to better detect and manage sweet potato diseases.