Bioscience Methods 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 327-336 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 327 Case Study Open Access Case Study of Post-Harvest Processing and Value Addition in Fresh-Eating Sweet Potato TaoChen1,2, Jianjun Xiong1, Yanlin Zhang3, Renxiang Cai 2, 1 Jinhua Yimao Zhidi Agriculture Co., Ltd, Lanxi, 321109, Zhejiang, China 2 Zhejiang Agronomist College, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang, China 3 Tourism College of Zhejiang China, Hangzhou, 311231, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: rxcai@sina.com Bioscience Methods, 2024, Vol.15, No.6 doi: 10.5376/bm.2024.15.0032 Received: 30 Sep., 2024 Accepted: 11 Nov., 2024 Published: 30 Nov., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Chen et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Chen T., Xiong J.J., Zhang Y.L., and Cai R.X., 2024, Case study of post-harvest processing and value addition in fresh-eating sweet potato, Bioscience Methods, 15(6): 327-336 (doi: 10.5376/bm.2024.15.0032) Abstract This study explores the impact of post-harvest processing and value-added methods for fresh sweet potatoes on farmers' income and market demand. The research finds that value-added processing of sweet potatoes, such as producing sweet potato flour, chips, and puree, helps increase farmers' income, reduce post-harvest losses, and extend product shelf life. Additionally, farmer cooperatives and agricultural groups play a significant role in promoting value-added activities by providing training, technical support, and market access. The study recommends further promotion of value-added processing technologies, improved credit access for smallholders, and the establishment of better market linkages through government and non-governmental organizations to enhance the market value of sweet potato products and boost farmers' economic returns. Keywords Fresh sweet potato; Post-harvest processing; Value-added processing; Farmers' income; Market demand 1 Introduction Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are a globally significant crop, valued for their nutritional benefits and versatility in culinary applications. Particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, sweet potatoes play a crucial role in food security due to their high yield potential and adaptability to various climates. In recent years, there has been growing interest in enhancing the post-harvest processing and value addition of fresh-eating sweet potatoes to improve marketability, reduce post-harvest losses, and create economic opportunities for farmers. The development of innovative post-harvest techniques and the promotion of value-added products have become focal points in agribusiness to improve the profitability and sustainability of sweet potato production (Sugri et al., 2019; Simões et al., 2020). Sweet potatoes are prone to significant post-harvest losses, particularly due to their perishable nature. Issues such as weight loss, decay, and sprouting during storage severely affect the marketable quality and shelf life of the crop. Moreover, traditional processing methods, such as boiling and frying, often lead to nutrient loss, further reducing the product's value. Addressing these challenges through improved post-harvest techniques and exploring new value addition pathways is critical for enhancing the sweet potato's contribution to food security and income generation. Post-harvest processing methods, such as drying, minimal processing, and storage innovations, play a pivotal role in maintaining the quality and prolonging the shelf life of sweet potatoes. Value addition, through the creation of products like sweet potato flour, chips, and puree, can increase the economic returns for smallholder farmers, as demonstrated by studies in regions such as Nigeria and South Africa (Adeyonu et al., 2017; Ejechi, 2023). Moreover, research indicates that delaying harvest can induce the production of beneficial bioactive compounds, enhancing the nutritional value of minimally processed sweet potatoes (Simões et al., 2020). These advances underscore the importance of strategic post-harvest interventions to ensure both nutritional preservation and economic viability. This study explores post-harvest processing techniques and value-adding opportunities for fresh sweet potatoes, evaluating the effectiveness of various treatments in extending shelf life and improving quality, while also investigating scalable value-adding opportunities for smallholder farmers to enhance their income and market
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