Perak: The first commercial planting of 'Vitato' sweet potato in Perak has yielded more than two tonnes, opening up new potential for production of the nutrient-rich crop in the state. According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) director in Perak, Dr. Noor Shaeda Ismail, said the pilot project in Kampung Redang Sawa, which began in February, marked a positive start for the variety, previously grown mainly in Kelantan and other east coast states. She highlighted that MARDI was expanding the cultivation of Vitato in Perak because it is easy to grow, has strong commercial potential, and offers local farmers a new high-value crop. Dr. Noor Shaeda explained that Vitato, scientifically known as 'Ipomoea batatas', is sweeter than conventional sweet potatoes and contains about two milligrams of beta-carotene per 100 grammes of flesh, making it a higher-quality variety. Vitato also has good market potential, particularly for downstream products. Vitato flou r developed by MARDI could replace wheat flour in bakery products such as cakes, muffins, and doughnuts, besides having potential for use in beverages. She noted that under optimum conditions, one hectare of Vitato could produce between 25 and 30 tonnes. With an estimated farm-gate price of RM2 per kilogramme, growers can earn a gross income of up to RM60,000 per hectare, with net profit estimated at around RM35,000 per planting season. MARDI also supplies selected farmers with free planting materials and continuous technical advice under the pilot programme. Meanwhile, pilot project farmer Mohd Zaini Abdul Ghani, 48, expressed satisfaction as his first Vitato crop exceeded expectations after he began planting the variety in February on the recommendation of MARDI director-general Datuk Dr. Mohamad Zabawi Abdul Ghani. More than 2,000 Vitato plants produced about two tonnes of harvest during the first season, with the produce sold directly to the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) at RM3 per kil ogramme to meet local demand. Mohd Zaini noted that Vitato matures faster than conventional sweet potatoes and only requires suitable soil, favourable weather, pest control, and proper irrigation to produce quality yields.