Africa-Press – Malawi. Malawi local potato farmers are appealing for availability of certified seeds for maximum production that bring meaningful proceeds. Potato farmers are also in dire need of bankable markets for their yields amid shrinking of local setting points.
During International Potato Centre (CIP)’s field visit on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at Chongoni Cooperative, Ngwere Village, Traditional Authority (T.A) Kasumbu in the central district of Dedza revealed how farmers’ efforts not yielding enough.
CIP organised the field tour at the end of long week 12th Africa Potato Association (APA) Triennial Conference that ran from June 26 to July 1, 2022 in the capital Lilongwe.
One of the farmers, Martines Gangata disclosed that despite efforts being labored, yields keep on lowering due to recycled seeds. Gangata revealed that recycled seeds give them 10 tons in an acre instead of 40 tons as required when using certified seed.
“As we use recycled seeds, our yield dwindles. We recycle the seeds in about six growing cycles which we keep loosing a lot. We need certified seeds.
“We also struggling with bankable markets for our yields as most chain stores are far much reachable for our products. We can be fully supported, our cooperative can feed this nation fully,” says Gangata.
One of APA conference’s participants, Dr. Cinisani Tfwala, Department of Agricultural Research and Specialists Services from Swaziland lauded local farmers for resilient to produce more amid poor markets.
Dr Tfwala however acknowledged potential market for certified seeds in Malawi saying many seed companies might be interested to venture into serious business.
CIP Potato scientist and APA Secretary Albeit Mwenye also acknowledged local farmers challenges to meet their goals. Mwenye therefore assured local farmers of his institution’s support with certified seeds for maximum yield while enhancing livelihoods incomes.
“We have just started distributing certified seeds while some seeds are being sold for sustainability of seeds chain process. We want farmers to stop using recycled seeds.
“With the tour, some APA conference participants have shown interests to invest much in potato certified seed production. This will help to boast our sector. We have potential market locally for potato only that chain stores demand quality products that come with certified seeds,” observes Mwenye.
APA chairperson Dr. Wilkinson Makumba who is also Director of the Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS) told The Maravi Post that the conference was a success as participants agreed on a number of intervention to promote potato farming including bankable markets and certified seeds in the continent.
Under the theme, “Harnessing potato and sweet potato innovations for resilient and healthier agri-food systems”, APA conference attracted agricultural experts, academics, farmers and stakeholders in the value chain from Africa and other parts of the world.
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