Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas), locally known as মিষ্টি আলু, is a nutritious root crop widely cultivated in Bangladesh, especially during the winter season. It is appreciated both as a staple and a supplementary food due to its high energy content and health benefits.
Sweet potato grows well in sandy loam soil and does not require much irrigation, making it suitable for marginal lands and climate-resilient farming. Major growing areas include Jamalpur, Mymensingh, Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Chattogram.
This crop is rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, beta-carotene (vitamin A), and vitamin C, making it an important food for nutrition and food security. It is consumed boiled, fried, or used in sweets and snacks. Its leaves are also sometimes used as animal fodder or leafy vegetables.
In recent years, sweet potato has gained importance in Bangladesh due to its role in improving nutrition, especially in school feeding programs and among low-income families. The government and agricultural institutions are also promoting orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) varieties, which are high in vitamin A and good for children’s health.
-
Local Name: মিষ্টি আলু (Mishti Alu)
-
Botanical Name: Ipomoea batatas
-
Season: Winter (October to February)
-
Major Growing Regions: Jamalpur, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh
-
Nutritional Value: High in carbs, fiber, vitamin A (beta-carotene), and C
-
Uses: Boiled, fried, desserts, and school nutrition programs
-
Economic Role: Increases rural income and contributes to food security
