Analysis of the Sweet Potato Trade Chain in Boa Vista, Roraima: postharvest and marketing dynamics

Abstract

In Roraima, sweet potato cultivation is a relevant socioeconomic activity, with productivity above the national average, serving the regional market. Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) production is concentrated in the northeast of the state, covering the municipalities of Boa Vista, Bonfim and Uiramutã. This study aimed to analyze the sweet potato marketing chain, including aspects such as processing and marketing. The cultivars sweet potato with white flesh and skin and sweet potato with purple skin were selected, and nine traders were visited at the Farmers’ Market. At each sampling point, a 20 kg batch of sweet potatoes was collected as displayed on the stand, and the checklist data were analyzed using the Likert scale. The results showed that the potatoes are predominantly transported in 20 kg plastic bags with good palletization and adequate labeling, according to Embrapa recommendations, ensuring traceability and minimizing losses in the logistics chain. However, it was found that 89% of traders were unaware of the existence of products derived from sweet potato processing, such as chips and flours, indicating a low level of local processing. This study suggests that the adoption of more efficient post-harvest practices, such as the use of perforated plastic bags as an alternative for producers and traders who use other types of packaging, ensuring proper traceability and handling, and expanding knowledge about the processing potential of sweet potatoes, could improve product quality and expand market opportunities in Boa Vista.