Sweet potato or sakaravalli kizhangu (Ipomoea batatas) is a crop grown for its sweet tasting starchy, tuberous roots rich in beta-carotene and anti-oxidants. The crop is an herbaceous perennial vine, bearing heart-shaped or lobed leaves and medium-sized flowers. The edible tuberous root is long and tapered, with a smooth skin whose color ranges between red, purple, brown and white, and flesh colour ranges between white, yellow, orange, and purple.
 It is native to the tropical parts of America and is now cultivated throughout tropical and warm temperate regions. China is the leading producer accounting for more than 80 % of the world production. About two lakh hectares of land are under sweet potato cultivation in India. The crop is cultivated mostly in Orissa, West Bengal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.