The genetic potential of high yielding varieties can only be realized when quality seeds are used in combination with good farming practices (GAP). Research in several countries in Africa has led to the development of flow charts for new improved varieties. However, they are not used for a number of reasons, such as:
(1) lack of motivation and ignorance of small farmers about the importance of using technological maps,
(2) recommendations are not suitable for women farmers,
(3) the methods require a lot of time that farmers do not have during the growing season,
(4) they are expensive for small farmers.
For these and other reasons, farm management differs from organization to organization, depending on the need for labor and the expected profit. Failure to follow standard farm management practices results in the production of potatoes of varying quality, making the produce unsuitable for processing or selling to large supermarkets, expensive hotels and restaurants.
Farm management can be improved and appropriate cultivation practices can be progressively applied through capacity building to create a viable potato value chain. Good crop management practices include soil-sustaining and water-saving practices, optimized use of mineral and organic fertilizers, green manure, mulching, catch crops, irrigation, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) including crop rotation to help reduce the use of pesticides for control. with insects and diseases that occur during intensive cultivation of potatoes.
These and other conservation farming practices improve natural biological processes to ensure sustainable potato production while conserving the natural resource base.
The Kisima Farm grows wheat and barley as its main crops, as well as oilseeds and legumes. Therefore, they use crop rotation to ensure that the soil does not become contaminated. The farm uses soil and water conservation methods such as no-till and direct seeding, as well as satellite guidance systems for precision farming.
Seed potato production in Kissim is almost completely mechanized (97%) from planting to packaging. At the same time, the application of recommended fertilizers, plant protection and other production methods are carried out accurately. Since the farm management ensures optimal resource management and plant cultivation practices, they always get high yields of quality seed potatoes.