New High-Yielding ‘Bau Sweet Potato-5’ Shows Great Potential: BAU Researchers

MYMENSINGH, Feb 22, 2025 (BSS) – Researchers at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) have introduced a high-yielding variety of sweet potato named “Bau Sweet Potato-5,” which is proving to be more productive and profitable than the local varieties.

A team of researchers, led by BAU Professor Dr. ABM Arif Hasan Khan Robin from the Department of Cultivation and Plant Breeding, developed the disease-resistant and high-yielding sweet potato variety, “Bau Sweet Potato-5.”

“This new variety produces three times more than the ordinary varieties. Each plant yields between one to one and a half kilograms of potatoes,” said Prof. Khan in an interview with BSS.

He added that the yield is achieved within 90 days of planting, and “Bau Sweet Potato-5” can be cultivated year-round. The plant reaches its highest yield of over 30 tonnes per hectare after more than 100 days of growth, compared to the typical 10.25 tonnes per hectare of regular potatoes.

Sweet potato, a highly nutritious crop, is emerging as a valuable alternative to rice, especially for fulfilling sugar demands. The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics reports that sweet potatoes are grown on approximately 24,500 hectares in the country, but local varieties often have high production costs and low market prices, causing a decline in farmer interest.

In this season, seedlings of “Bau Sweet Potato-5” were distributed to regions including Mymensingh, Sherpur, Kishoreganj, Faridpur, Rajbari, Tangail, and Khulna, where farmers have reported increased yields.

Farmer Hasan from Mymensingh Sadar shared, “With this new variety, we are harvesting up to 30 kg per 10 square meters. In comparison, local varieties produce only 700-750 grams per plant, while ‘Bau Sweet Potato-5’ yields up to 1200-1500 grams per plant.”

Another farmer noted, “Previously, we stopped cultivating sweet potatoes due to high costs and low market prices, but with this new variety, we expect higher yields at the same cost, which will be more profitable.”

Farmer Manu Mia from Phulpur stated, “This is the first time in Phulpur we have successfully cultivated ‘Bau Mishti Alu-5.’ Each plant gave 6-7 potatoes, each weighing 200-300 grams.”

Research team member Moon Modak, a postgraduate student, mentioned that sweet potatoes come in three popular colors—cream, purple, and orange. “Orange potatoes can be eaten as a salad alternative to carrots, while purple potatoes are excellent when roasted. Roasting increases their glucose and sugar content, and cream potatoes can be used in various dishes.”

Prof. Hasan also noted that “Bau Sweet Potato-5” yields best during the Rabi season (October 16 to March 15). This variety is rich in essential nutrients like protein, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, vitamins E and K, and potassium.

With the national average production of common sweet potatoes around 10 tonnes per hectare, the new variety’s yield is more than three times higher, offering great promise for farmers.

According to the researchers, the ideal time for planting “Bau Sweet Potato-5” seedlings is at the end of November, and the highest yield is achieved when harvested by the end of March.