tradicionalmenteinovador - Brazil Buyers & Sellers

grown by family farmers, where, as a rule, low technology levels
prevail. In general, productivity remains at the same levels
achieved back in the 1960s and 1970s, around 12 tons per hectare.
Nonetheless, in some areas productivity rates have soared
considerably, especially where the farmers take advantage of
the new varieties launched by Embrapa, and where recommended
technologies are in place.
Sweet potatoes are rustic plants and they adapt well to
most regions across the Country. Used as food for humans or
animals, they are known for their nutritional and energetic
properties. They are also consumed as flours, starches and
sweets. According to a survey by IBGE, the annual per capita
consumption in 2008 reached 0.46 kg, down 15% from 2002.
This horticultural product is underutilized, say technicians of
the sector, because its potential could be expanded through
industrialization, both for the purpose of food and biofuels.
Inor Ag. Assmann
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