International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 41-50 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 47 et al., 2020). The shorter growing cycles-90 to 120 days-allow farmers to fit multiple planting seasons within a year, enhancing productivity (Duque et al., 2022). Furthermore, high-yield varieties improve profitability by reducing input costs through disease-resistant cultivars, which limit the need for chemical pesticides (Laurie et al., 2017). Studies show that integrating these varieties into crop rotations also reduces fallow periods and improves soil fertility, leading to long-term economic gains for farmers (Cheboi et al., 2024). 8.2 Adoption of key technologies and extension efforts The adoption of technologies such as drip irrigation, mechanized planting, and integrated pest management (IPM) practices has significantly enhanced sweet potato productivity in subtropical regions (Longdom, 2021a). Farmers implementing improved irrigation systems reported higher water-use efficiency and better tuber quality, even during dry seasons (Zhapar et al., 2023). Access to improved OFSP planting materials through seed systems and agricultural cooperatives has also encouraged the widespread cultivation of these varieties, increasing yields and profitability (Qin et al., 2022). Extension efforts have played a key role in disseminating knowledge about new technologies and best practices. Collaborative initiatives involving government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions have provided training on crop management, pest control, and post-harvest practices, helping farmers maximize returns (Wikifarmer, 2023). 8.3 Role of agricultural policies and support services in promoting sweet potato cultivation Agricultural policies and support services are essential for scaling up sweet potato production and ensuring long-term sustainability. Subsidies and grants for irrigation equipment, fertilizers, and improved planting materials have reduced the financial burden on farmers, facilitating the adoption of advanced farming techniques (Motsa et al., 2015). Additionally, nutrition-sensitive agriculture policies that promote OFSP varieties align with public health objectives, providing markets with both economic and social incentives to adopt these varieties (Low et al., 2020). Regional agricultural services have also focused on strengthening seed systems to ensure the availability of certified, disease-free planting materials, which improves yields and farmer confidence (Fuglie and Tschirley, 2019). Market development policies aimed at improving access to export opportunities further motivate farmers to engage in large-scale production, making sweet potato cultivation a viable and attractive agricultural enterprise (Cheboi et al., 2024). 9 Future Directions and Emerging Trends 9.1 Advances in breeding for drought resistance, disease resistance, and higher yields Significant advancements in breeding have focused on developing sweet potato varieties with improved drought tolerance, disease resistance, and higher yields. Research programs have introduced biofortified orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) varieties, which offer higher beta-carotene content and perform well in regions prone to drought (Low et al., 2020). New molecular tools, including marker-assisted selection (MAS), are being employed to accelerate the development of varieties with resistance to Cylas weevils and soil-borne pathogens (Laurie et al., 2017; Zong et al., 2023). Additionally, genetic research focuses on developing drought-resistant varieties that maintain productivity with reduced water inputs, contributing to sustainable farming in regions experiencing climate variability (Zhapar et al., 2023). Collaborative breeding initiatives across Africa, Asia, and Latin America ensure that farmers have access to improved varieties tailored to their local environmental conditions (Cheboi et al., 2024). 9.2 Potential of precision agriculture and smart management tools Precision agriculture offers new opportunities to optimize sweet potato production through smart technologies such as remote sensing, drones, and IoT-based irrigation systems (Wolfe et al., 2022). Farmers in subtropical regions have begun using drip irrigation controlled by soil moisture sensors to ensure efficient water use (Zhapar et al., 2023). Additionally, mobile apps and digital platforms are being developed to provide real-time guidance on pest detection, fertilizer application, and market trends (Longdom, 2021b). Smart tools can also improve crop monitoring through satellite-based imaging, helping farmers predict yields and make timely decisions about harvesting and pest management (Wikifarmer, 2023). These innovations enable sustainable intensification of sweet potato production while reducing input waste and environmental impact.
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