Technical Session Spotlight: Unlocking the Potential of the Caribbean Roots and Tubers Industry at CWA 2026

During the 20th Caribbean Week of Agriculture in Trelawny, Jamaica, CARDI co-hosted a dedicated series of technical sessions focusing on modernizing the production, protection, and commercialization of regional root and tuber crops.

Bringing together experts from CARDI, IICA, CASE, Caribbean Chemicals Jamaica, Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Mining (MoAFM), and industrial partners like Red Stripe, the forum addressed key bottlenecks in supply chains across the region.

Key Research & Technical Highlights:

• Sweet Potato & Potato Yield Optimization: CARDI presented comparative research on sweet potato yields from tubers versus cuttings, alongside field-tested soil management practices to increase crop productivity.
• Yam & Dasheen Propagation: Sessions showcased single-node yam propagation, tissue culture mini-sett production, and CARDI’s research on managing yam germination rates.
• Dasheen density and fertilizer trials in Dominica and St. Vincent were also highlighted.
• Integrated Pest & Disease Management: Presentations detailed biological controls for the sweet potato weevil and featured CARDI’s trial results using bay leaf oil as a natural solution for managing yam rust disease in Dominica.
• Cassava Industry Expansion: CARDI shared agronomic guidelines for maximizing cassava yields to support commercial flour, starch, and brewing applications.
• Value-Addition Panel: Discussions concluded with private sector partners, including Red Stripe Jamaica and hotel sourcing agents, exploring expanded market opportunities for processed root crop products.