On Tuesdays, we continue to publish exclusive materials from the WPC (World Potato Congress), telling about the organization of an efficient seed potato production chain in different countries of the world. We have already talked about the countries of Africa and China. We began to discuss the situation in the Philippines.
The World Potato Congress will take place from May 31 to June 3 in Dublin, Ireland. The event will bring together professionals including potato growers, wholesalers, packers, importers and exporters of both seed and ware potatoes.
This week we will talk about farm management practices, sustainable potato production and storage, marketing and value creation of potatoes in the Philippines.
Farm Management and Crop Growth Techniques
The PSRTC (Potato Germplasm Center) conducts field and farm research on the potato production process. First of all, it is the assessment of germplasm suitable for the area, and she also conducts research on rotation crops that can be planted in potato growing systems. Their seeds are given to farmers for adaptation in their own fields.
Private Canadian entrepreneurs have provided Philippine farmers with funds to support crop production through a loan portfolio through which farmers can borrow for seed potatoes and other agricultural inputs at a nominal interest rate. Along with technology, production is also being improved by available agricultural resources. PSRTC staff also regularly visit the fields and monitor farmers' fields.
Sustainable potato production and storage
The vision of the PPVFA (Potato Systems Research and Training Center) is to have a network for the production and marketing of potatoes. Gradually the vision takes shape. With seeds from Kabagtasan, several farmers were able to plant pure seeds of local selected clones, namely CPF 34 and CPF 35, named Choi white and Choi violet respectively.
Initially, potato seed tubers were stored in a diffused light vault made of bamboo with GI sheets as a roof. A small cold store will soon be operating in partnership with LGU-Canlaon City. With this storage facility, farmers can better store their potatoes and other vegetables and sell them when demand is higher.
Marketing is
Potato marketing is carried out in such a way that farm products can have a guaranteed market. PSRTC staff supervise this work together with the farmers. Additional markets are being explored, especially for smaller tubers.
Added value (packaging, excellent proper storage, transportation)
CP&F provides pure planting stock to a group of farmers who produce quality seed in a newly discovered and isolated area. The cost of seed tubers has increased as the demand for good seeds from other farmers has increased. A village-level potato processing organization is currently being developed to serve as an additional or alternative source of income.