Final Report on the Promotion of Dutch Potato Varieties through Farm Level Demonstrations in Uganda (Resilient Efficient Agribusiness Chains (REACH-Uganda) Project)
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Date
2017-08-01
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Abstract
Potatoes are a source of food and income for the people of Uganda. Although there are different varieties of potatoes, most do not have good quality for processing, which limits the market and development of potatoes and potato industries. With support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, IFDC, and partnering with Uganda's Dutch seed companies, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agricultural Research Organization introduced Dutch potatoes, which have better processing qualities. To popularize the varieties, participatory demonstrations with farmers were done. Ideal farms for potato production were selected and prepared (plots of 22.5 square meters). Ten potato varieties were used: Panamera, Sagitta, Taurus, Voyager, Arizona, Markies, Connect, El Mundo, Rwangume, and Victori. Seed potatoes were planted following recommended agronomic practices. Weeding was done weekly to protect crops against late-blight disease. Mass media and field days were used to familiarize people with the varieties. At each demo site, three days were held to show farmers flowering, bulking, and harvesting. Potato stakeholders were able to observe and differentiate each variety, crop management practices, diseases common in each variety, pests, and drought-tolerant potato varieties. The harvested data was collected and recorded in data sheets. The data was analyzed using Genstat software. Harvested potatoes were graded into three categories: small (<30 mm), medium (>30–60 mm), and large (>60 mm). Marketable potatoes were medium and large, while small ones were unmarketable. It was noted that Arizona, Sagitta, Voyager, El Mundo, and Connect had early maturity, while Taurus, Panamera, Markies, Voyager, and Connect varieties are drought-tolerant. Drought-susceptible varieties were Arizona, Sagitta, and El Mundo, and disease-susceptible varieties were Arizona, Taurus, and Voyager. In conclusion, despite challenges like drought, varieties performed better than the National Variety Performance Trials (NVPTs). Through the trial, actors and farmers became aware of other varieties and their uses. However, the challenge for seed companies lies in multiplying seeds to facilitate farmers' subsequent access.
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Potatoes, Farmers