Coimbatore, March 12:Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has developed a sweet potato variety which they calimed is rich in beta carotene, a precursor for Vitamin A.
As this variety was highly suitable for children, TNAU has plans to recomend this to the State government for including in the mid-day meal scheme, Dr Murugesa Bhoopathi, TNAU Vice-chancellor, informed the 3-day annual crop meeting of All India Coordinate Research Project on Tuber Crops, yesterday
here.
Similarly, the university has also developed a low sugar sweet potato, which would be suitable for diabetic patients, Bhoopathi said.
Dr H P Singh, Deputy Director General (horticulture) Indian Council for Agriculture Research, Delhi, said a committee needed to be constituted for pre-evaluation of tuber crops that have been recommended for release, as mere
varietal trials alone were not sufficient.
——————–PTI—————–