Agricultural experts in Kisoro District are urging Irish potato farmers to adopt positive seed selection from their own gardens instead of relying on seeds sourced from open markets. The move is aimed at improving yields and reducing the spread of crop diseases.
Kamari Fideri, Chairperson of the Kisoro District Potato Growers Cooperative Union warns that market-sourced seedlings are often of unknown origin and poor quality, leading to low productivity and increased disease risks.
According to him, Farmers should retain healthy plants from their own gardens noting that seeds from the market are unreliable and can be the source of pests and diseases. He also discouraged the use of foreign seed varieties like Rwangume from Rwanda, which are not certified by Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture and often underperform due to a lack of annual cleaning processes practiced in their countries of origin.
Kamari advised farmers to acquire clean, certified seeds from Kachwekano Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (KAZARDI), which has developed improved, high-yielding potato varieties suited for Uganda’s conditions.
CUE IN KAMARI……ON THE MATTER…….RR//
However, local potato trader Pastor Twesiime Abel blamed poor market seedlings for reduced yields and unstable market prices. He also pointed out the increasing cost of connecting farmers to buyers. Farmers like Fred Baryayasanga of Nyarusiza Sub-county acknowledged that reusing the same seed varieties each season has led to declining harvests.
Meanwhile, Buturo Richard of Nyanamo Town Council called on the government to improve irrigation systems, especially during dry spells that have affected crop performance.
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Although Kisoro has historically been a top Irish potato-producing district in the Kigezi region, experts warn that poor farming practices, such as seed recycling, excessive crop rotation, and overuse of fertilizers have degraded soil and reduced yields.
A 15-year study by RUFORUM shows that potato yields have dropped from 7 to 4 tonnes per hectare over the past seven years. The decline is attributed mainly to the reuse of small, low-quality tubers for planting while better ones are sold.
Uganda produces an estimated 800,000 to 1,000,000 metric tonnes of Irish potatoes annually, with Kisoro, Kabale, Rubanda, and Rukiga contributing over 60% of national output. Other regions include Bugisu, Mubende, and Mityana.
Irish potatoes remain a high-value cash crop, with potential returns of up to UGX 15 million per acre, especially with rising urban demand. Despite high productivity potential, poor seed practices threaten this key sector.
The Source Reports.
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