The Agric department of Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly embarked on a training workshop on Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato drink and other meals preparation for fishermongers on 8th February, 2022 at Kpone, Alata.
Madam Adam Ayi, Principal Agric Officer educating participants at the program
The facilitator Adam Ayi; a Principal Agric Officer , educated participants on the importance of nutrition and how nutrients should be retained in food whiles processing to meet the level the body requires. She explained that the training was also to help raise awareness on the opportunities of orange fleshed sweet potato in terms of income generation.
According to the facilitator, Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) has enormous health benefits including its ability to help gain weight and boost immunity. Despite the several varieties of sweet potatoes, Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato is highly rich in beta-carotene because of the excellent source of Vitamin A it has. In situations where there is vitamin A deficiency in children, consumption of orange-fleshed sweet potato is a good solution because Vitamin A helps improve resistance to infectious disease and prevents dry eyes.
Participant learning how to prepare orange fleshed sweet potato drink
The WIAD officer gave a brief remarks and educated participants on other nutrition related topics. The multitude of the training methodologies used was utilized in order to make sure all participants understood the whole concept well and practice what they learnt.
The Officer emphasized on the correct measurement of the various items used. The main items used for the training includes; Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP), lemon or lime juice, ginger, sugar (Syrup), flavor, fruits juice e.g. Pineapple, Mango, etc. Planting materials (Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato vines) were provided for interested participants in order to make the program sustainable or to be adopted and practiced by the participants in the various communities within the municipality.
Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato has enormous health benefits recommended for domestic consumption. This variety of sweet potatoes is versatile. It can really contribute to food security and improve on health.
Cross section of participants at the program
The program ended successfully and the facilitator advised the participants to practice all that they have learnt. She added that participants especially the youth should take it up as a business venture in order to minimize youth unemployment challenges the country is facing currently. Madam Adam Ayi emphasized that, reports on malnutrition cases/issues especially in children under five years and pregnant women should not be part of our Municipal’s health reports. Success stories from some of the participants on income generation.
credit to Agric Department