Sweet Potato Cultivation and Its Impact

Sweet potatoes are resilient crops that have historically been cultivated to prepare for famines and food shortages. They played a crucial role during Japan's Edo period famine and post-war food crises. Currently, Japan is focusing on breeding new varieties, such as those that can be harvested in summer or grown in cold regions like Hokkaido. These efforts have led to a significant increase in exports, with sweet potatoes becoming a vital agricultural product with a promising future.

What was the primary reason for cultivating sweet potatoes in Japan historically?

• To use as a luxury food item

• To prepare for crop failures and famines

• To export to other countries

• To use in traditional ceremonies

During which period did sweet potatoes save many lives in Japan?

• Edo Period

• Taisho Era

• Heian Period

• Meiji Era

What is unique about the sweet potato variety 'Yuki Komachi'?

• It is resistant to pests

• It grows well in cold regions like Hokkaido

• It can be harvested in autumn

• It has a purple skin

Which of the following is a new variety of sweet potato that can be shipped in summer?

• Beniharuka

• Yuki Komachi

• Ame Hazuki

• Murasaki Imo

By how much has the export volume of Japanese sweet potatoes increased over the past decade?

• 10 times the expected amount

• 10 times

• 8 times

• 5 times