International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 41-50 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 48 9.3 Policy recommendations to promote sustainable sweet potato farming To scale up sustainable sweet potato farming, governments and agricultural stakeholders need to implement targeted policies. Incentives for adopting climate-resilient varieties and sustainable technologies are essential. Policymakers should promote subsidies for drip irrigation systems and provide training in integrated pest management (IPM) techniques to reduce chemical dependency (Cheboi et al., 2024). Strengthening seed systems and supply chains is another priority, ensuring that farmers have continuous access to high-quality planting materials (Low et al., 2020). Furthermore, policies should focus on expanding market access and value chains, including partnerships with food processing industries, to boost demand for fresh-eating and value-added sweet potato products (Motsa et al., 2015). These efforts will not only enhance food security but also support rural economies and improve farmers' resilience to climate change (Mwanga et al., 2021). 10 Conclusion This study on high-yield fresh-eating sweet potato varieties in subtropical regions demonstrates that optimized cultivation practices significantly enhance both yield and quality. Key findings include the importance of ridge planting, mulching, and balanced fertilizer application in improving productivity. Drip irrigation and pest monitoring systems helped manage water stress and pests effectively, maintaining crop health even under variable environmental conditions. The introduction of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) varieties not only contributed to higher market returns but also aligned with public health goals by addressing vitamin A deficiency. However, challenges such as weevil infestations, unpredictable rainfall, and limited access to quality planting materials highlight the need for further interventions. For farmers, adopting integrated pest management (IPM) practices and investing in irrigation systems like drip irrigation is crucial for managing environmental challenges. Regular training through extension programs can help farmers implement improved agronomic practices efficiently. Policymakers should prioritize subsidies for irrigation equipment and certified planting materials to support smallholders. Strengthening local seed systems will ensure year-round access to high-quality, disease-resistant varieties. Moreover, policies that promote market development and value-added processing will improve profitability for farmers. Researchers should focus on developing climate-resilient varieties with enhanced drought and disease resistance. Collaborative breeding programs across regions will accelerate the adoption of these varieties and support sustainable sweet potato production. Research on precision agriculture tools, such as remote sensing for pest detection, should also be prioritized to enhance management efficiency. Enhancing fresh-eating sweet potato production in subtropical regions requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates advanced agronomic practices, improved breeding techniques, and supportive policies. Collaboration between farmers, researchers, and policymakers is essential to address challenges such as climate variability and pest outbreaks effectively. Expanding market opportunities through value-added products and public health initiatives will further boost the demand for fresh-eating sweet potatoes. Ultimately, sustainable production practices will not only ensure food security but also contribute to the economic empowerment of rural communities. Continued innovation in agricultural technology and extension services will play a key role in shaping the future of sweet potato farming. Acknowledgment The authors express deep gratitude to Professor R. Cai from the Zhejiang Agronomist College for his thorough review of the manuscript and constructive suggestions. The author also extends thanks to the two anonymous peer reviewers for their valuable revision recommendations. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Alam M.K., 2021, A comprehensive review of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam): Revisiting the associated health benefits, Trends in Food Science and Technology, 115: 512-519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2021.07.001
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==