Sustainable potato production guidelines for developing countries.

 During the International Year of the Potato, celebrated in 2008, FAO and CIP helped forge partnerships worldwide to address critical aspects of sustainable potato production. This technical guide collates that experience to review technical, socio-economic, policy and institutional factors that currently constrain increased potato production and productivity in tropical and subtropical countries. It presents Good Agriculture Practices relevant to potato production, and indicators and recommendations for action in key areas, from the utilization of potato biodiversity and improvements in seed systems, to soil management, insect pest and disease control and opportunities for value addition. It outlines a new policy and research agenda for the potato subsector that aims at making a real contribution to the eradication of hunger and poverty.


Publication


Read the full publication on the Sustainable Potato production.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Advancing Research and Innovation to maximize the potential of potatoes.

Image
To maximize the potential of potatoes, greater investment in research and breeding programs is essential. Scientists and agricultural institutions must continue developing high-yield, climate-resilient, and disease-resistant potato varieties that can withstand extreme weather conditions, drought, and emerging plant diseases. Additionally, the integration of precision agriculture technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven farming techniques can improve productivity while reducing resource use. Key areas of innovation include: Drought- and heat-resistant potato varieties to combat changing climate conditions. Improved pest and disease resistance to minimize the reliance on chemical pesticides and fungicides. Biofortification efforts to enhance the nutritional profile of potatoes, providing better access to essential micronutrients. AI-powered irrigation and soil monitoring systems to optimize water use and fertilizer application.
Read more

How the pick the perfect potato?

Image
It’s a good idea to inspect your potatoes before you buy them . A little dirt is fine and perfectly normal, but you want to watch out for and avoid any sprouting from the eyes (the little indents in the potato), soft spots, cuts and gouges, or any potato with a green tint to the skin. Green coloring means the potato has been exposed to too much light and developed the toxin solanine, which can cause some nasty conditions like cramping, headaches, diarrhea, and fever. Such a potato also will have a bitter flavor.
Read more

Sustainable Farming Practices and Regenerative Agriculture.

Image
Ensuring that potato farming remains environmentally sustainable requires investment in regenerative agriculture practices that enhance soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve biodiversity. Sustainable techniques such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage can significantly improve soil fertility while lowering the environmental impact of potato production . Governments and industry stakeholders should prioritize: Promoting water-efficient irrigation systems to minimize water wastage. Encouraging the use of organic and biological pest control methods . Implementing carbon-smart farming practices to offset emissions from agricultural activities. Supporting smallholder farmers with access to training programs on sustainable potato cultivation.
Read more