Strengthening the Potato Seed Multiplication System in Ethiopia

Goal

The objective of this project is to introduce a cooperative-based, innovative and decentralized potato seed multiplication system capable of producing approximately 3,400 tons of quality declared, disease-free potato seed annually in Arsi and West Arsi Zones of Oromia region, benefiting an estimated 20,000 smallholder farmers.

What we do

Lack of access to disease free and certified potato seed is a major bottleneck of the potato production system in Ethiopia. This has subjected farmers to inefficient, less productive farming practices.

This project will address this gap by enabling cooperatives to multiply early generation seed in their own areas of operation. Using rooted apical cutting techniques, the project will actively engage cooperatives in the multiplication of early generation potato seed.

In addition, through the support of relevant stakeholders, a strong connection will be created between ware potato producing farmers and seed multiplying cooperatives so that the farmers will only use fresh, quality declared potato seed.

The project will focus on achieving the following three outcomes:

• Rooted apical cutting of early seed multiplication practices introduced in the project area
• Four cooperatives have adopted improved potato seed multiplication practices on 500 ha
• Income of participating potato growing farmers increased by 25%