Kalil: New and improved production, storage and marketing in my village

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Photo: V. Durroux/CIP

In 2015 ‘Ganna’ season, I planted half an hectare of potato seed and harvested 16,300kg, which is a relatively low yield and was attributed to the year’s rain shortage. This season I sold 12,100kg at the farm gate for 36,300 Birr (US$1,690) and saved 4,200kg for seed.

In Ilu-Sanbitu Kebele (village) there wasn’t such a strong potato production system and there was also a knowledge gap on the production, storage, and marketing aspect. Through participating in Africa RISING initiated demonstrations, field visits and trainings, I received the necessary knowledge and skills about potato production, post-harvest handling and marketing.

Moreover, the introduction of potato in the farming system of the village improved the crop production practices, income diversification and contributed to household nutrition improvement. As I have access to water for irrigation I have a plan to produce more potato throughout the year and get more income.

I have learned that there is high market demand for potato in the local market and in the neighboring districts.

The Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation (Africa RISING) program comprises three research-for-development projects supported by the United States Agency for International Development as part of the U.S. government’s Feed the Future initiative.

 Through action research and development partnerships, Africa RISING will create opportunities for smallholder farm households to move out of hunger and poverty through sustainably intensified farming systems that improve food, nutrition, and income security, particularly for women and children, and conserve or enhance the natural resource base.

 

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