We continue to publish exclusive materials from the WPC (World Potato Congress) about the organization of an efficient seed potato production chain in Africa.
This event will take place from 31 May to 3 June 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, sustainable production and storage of potatoes in Ethiopia.
3. Farm management and crop cultivation practices in Ethiopia. The importance of improving the skills of farmers in Ethiopia to produce quality potatoes.
Guta practices crop rotation on his farm, renting land from others. He uses the recommended distance and applies the recommended fertilizer rates. His plantings are regularly supervised by him and others who have sufficient knowledge of potato cultivation. Thanks to good farm management skills and cultivation methods, he gets a yield of up to 40 t/ha in 120 days.
In the main rainy season, late blight becomes its main problem, although two varieties (Gudene and Belete) are somewhat resistant to this dangerous disease. He uses the systemic fungicide Ridomil Gold to control late blight (according to experts, he sprays more than necessary, and constant application of the systemic fungicide can lead to resistance to metalaxyl).
The farmer is willing to take a refresher course to reduce spraying frequency and rotate chemicals. It is open to everything new and appreciates the training provided by the government and the CIP (International Potato Centre).
4. Sustainable potato production and storage
Guta produces two crops of potatoes a year. Ethiopia usually has 2 rainy seasons: a short one (February to May) and a long one (June to September) in non-irrigated agriculture.
This allows him to have fresh potatoes for most of the year. He has a number of Diffused Light Storage (DLS) stores of his seed potatoes until he sells them or plants them. With its excellent yield and good quality, it has an excellent guaranteed income.
Guta sells seed potatoes for about $30/100kg and ware potatoes for about $17/100kg. In addition, his continuous training and well-established seed system allows for high yields, making his potato production sustainable. Guta says that his life is closely connected with potatoes, and even if the price of 100 kg of potatoes falls below 1 US dollar, he will not stop potato production.