BULE HORA UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE

A SENIOR SEMINAR PAPER

SUBMITTED TO DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE FOR THE PARTIAL FULLFILMENT
FOR THE COURSE OF SENIOR SEMINAR IN HORTICULTUE (HORT3141)

TITLE OF THE SENIOR SEMINAR

REVIEW ON CURRENT STATUS, POTENTIAL AND CHALLENGES OF POTATO SEED

PRDUCTION IN ETHIOPIA

SUBMITTED BY: ENAT MISGANAW ID NO.0633

SUBMITTED TO: Mr.TMESGEN.M DATE OF SUBMTTION

BULE HORA

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents Page

Acknowledgement.........................................................................................................................................III
List of avrevation..........................................................................................................................................IV
Abstract...........................................................................................................................................................V
1.Introduction ................................................................................................................................................1
1.1Objective.....................................................................................................................................................3
2. Literature review ………………………………………………………………………………………… 3
2.1.1Majorpotatogrowingare……………………………………………………………………………..... 4
2.2.Status of seed supply system and Research in Ethiopia……………………………………………….. 5
2.3. Types of potato seed system in Ethiopia ……………………………………………………………………………………………6
2.3.1 Formal Seed System...............................................................................................................................6
2.3.2.Informal Seed System.............................................................................................................................7
2.3.3The integrated seed system......................................................................................................................7
2.4.Current Situation of potato Seed System in Ethiopia................................................................................8
2.5.Current status of potato seed production in ethiopia………………………………………………........ 9
2.6.potentials and challenges of potato seed production in ethiopia……………………….......................... 9
2.7. Potato seed production practices……………………………………………………………………..…9
2.8. Disease and insect Prevention ………………………………………………………………………..11
2.9.Storage methods and qualities of seed potato..........................................................................................11
2.9.1 Seed Potato Storage Methods...............................................................................................................11
3. Summary and Future line work.................................................................................................................13
3.1
Summary………………………………………………………………………………………………..133.2
Future line work……………………………………………………………………………………..…14
4. Reference..................................................................................................................................................15

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III
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Above all, we would like thanks to almighty ‘GOD ‘for giving us patience throughout the review
of this seminar. We would like also to express our truthful appreciation to Bule Hora University
for giving this fantastic seminar paper preparation and giving internet accesses and library service.
Our special and sincere gratitude goes to our Advisor Mr.Gebre.g(M sc.) for his nearest and
constructive comments throughout the preparation this seminar. Moreover, we would like to
thank our friends, for their encouragement morally and for facilitating every resource required for
our work.

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LIST OF AVREVATION

ASE Amhara seed enterprise

CBSS Community based seed system

DLS Diffused light storage

EIAR Ethiopian institution of agricultural research

ESE Ethiopian seed enterprise

FFS Farmer filed school

FRG Farmer research group

MOA Ministry of agriculture

NARS National agricultural research system

NGO None governmental organization

OSE Oromia seed enterprise

RSE Regional seed enterprise

SNNPRS Southern nation nationality and people’s regional state

SHDI Self-help development international

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 ABSTRACT
This seminar paper attempted with the objective to review prospects on potato seed production in
Ethiopia generally and to assess production and marketing of potato seed products, to identify
major potato producing areas and types of potato seed system. And proper measurement should
be taken specifically. Potato provides an opportunity for economic development. But Shortage of
appropriate potato seed is a major bottleneck in potato supply. In Ethiopia several varieties of
potato are grown by farmers some of which are local and others are improved varieties. But
when we see potato seed production development, until now it is at low development stage due to
the existence of major problems like insufficient supply of input, transportation problems,
shortage of storage material, marketing problem, unknown origin of potato seed etc. In Ethiopia,
potato is grown in four major areas: the central, the eastern, the northwestern and the southern.
Seed systems can be defined as the ways in which farmers produce, select, save and acquire
seeds. Seed systems in Ethiopia can be divided into three broad types: the formal system and the
informal system (sometimes called local or farmer’s seed system) and integrated seed system. It
possible to produce true potato seed by using some technologies like: direct seedling, seedling
transplant and seedling tubers. But Raising of crop through this technology is labor intensive,
needs constant attention and is more prone to damage by climatic vagaries like high temperature,
heavy rains and draught etc. To increase productivity of potato seed, care must be taken to
different production practices like: seed selection and handling, planting and fertility, weed
control, diseases presentation, insect and irrigation management and storage method and seed
quality. To solve marketing and production problems, the government should give attention for
potato seed farms by supporting and encouraging firms and other private sectors to improve
potato seed productivity. Not only the government but also the farmers can play a role for potato
productivity by gathering information from extension agents and by applying improved potato
seed varieties.

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 1. INTRODUCTION

Africans economy is increasingly confronted with changing food and commodity markets, due to
globalization, economic liberalization and urbanization (Hoeffel, 2005). As a result, consumer
preferences change. This poses new opportunities but also challenges to small scale producers,
traders and processors along agricultural value chains. To address this situation, development
agencies, donors and NGOs are placing more emphasis on enabling farmers to increase their level
of competitiveness, to produce for an identified market, rather than trying to sell what they have
already produced and also seeking new market opportunities that offer higher levels of income.
Such goals can be achieved through better economic coordination and institutional linkages.
Farmer organizations can play a key role of organizing economic activities beyond local
boundaries. They can build up relationships with various chain actors and securing commitments
from various actors to cooperate on mutually beneficial actions and investments and thus create
value chains.
Seed is a key input for improving crop production and productivity. Increasing the quality of
seeds can increase the yield potential of the crop by significant folds and thus, is one of the most
economical and efficient inputs to agricultural development (FAO, 2006).Generation and transfer
of improved technologies are critical prerequisites for agricultural development particularly for an
agrarian based economy such as of Ethiopian. Despite the release of several technologies,
particularly of improved crop varieties, there has been limited use of improved seeds by the
majority of farmers (CSA, 2010).
Among others, unavailability of quality seeds at the right place and time coupled with poor
promotion system, is one of the key factors accounting for limited use of improved seeds, which
further contributing for low agricultural productivity. Poor availability and promotion of
improved seeds is due to inefficiency of the seed systems of the country. Potato provides an
opportunity for economic development. It is one of the most productive food crops in terms of
yields of edible energy and good quality protein per unit area and per unit of time fitting into
intensive cropping systems (Burton, 1989). Nutritionally, the crop is considered to be a well-
balanced major plant food with a good ratio between protein and calories, and has substantial
amounts of vitamins, especially vitamin C, minerals, and trace elements. Due to its correct

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balance between protein and calories, it is considered a good weaning food (Berge et al., 1993).
Ethiopia has good climatic and edaphic conditions for higher potato production and productivity
(Endale, et al., 2008a).Compared to cereals, potato is short duration crop that can yield up to 30-
35 t/ha potato in3-4 months in Ethiopia (Endale et al. 2008b). In Bhutan, it is reported that the
potential yield of potato can reach up to 50 t/ha (Joshi, et al., 2009). In Ethiopia, average tuber
yield of potato was almost constant between 6-8 t/ha in the last 20-30 years while the area planted
with potato increased from 30,000 ha to about 160,000ha in 2001 (Endale, et al., 2008a).
The development and dissemination of many improved varieties of potato contributed to the
improvement and expansion of potato production in Ethiopia. Most of the potato germ plasm used
for selection in Ethiopia is obtained from the CIP. Despite the research and development efforts in
improving the production and productivity of potato, little has been done to improve the
performance of the entire potato value chain. Some studies conducted on horticulture value chains
considered potato as one of vegetable products and often dealt with ware potato only (e.g. Emana,
2008).Shortage of appropriate potato seed is a major bottleneck in potato supply. Therefore, this
seminar paper tries to analyze seed potato production, seeding system, major problems of seed
potato production and proper measurements which used to minimize the problem.

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1.Objective
1.1 To review on potato seed production practices in Ethiopia
2. Literature review
2. Definition of terms and concepts

2.1. Seed potato production and marketing system in Ethiopia

The production of high-grade basic seed remains a key constraint in the development of a
competitive potato seed industry in Eastern and Central Africa. In Ethiopia several varieties of
potato are grown by farmers some of which are local and others are improved varieties. About 20
varieties have been reported to be grown in different parts of Ethiopia (Gebremedin et al.,
2008).Horticulture value chain study conducted in Eastern parts of Ethiopia indicated that potato
is one of the major horticulture crops exported to Djibouti and Somali land (Emana, 2008). The
sameStudy indicated that potato accounted for about 70% of the total vegetables (i.e. 42,172.5 t)
marketed in 2007 in Kombolcha district of eastern Ethiopia. The major constraints of marketing
identified by the same study include lack of markets to absorb the production, low price for the
products, large number of middlemen in the marketing system, lack of marketing institutions
safeguarding farmers' interest and rights over their marketable produces (e.g. cooperatives), lack
of coordination among producers to increase their bargaining power, poor product handling and
packaging, imperfect pricing system and lack of transparency in market information
communications. In potato marketing, low prices offered for ware potato used to be reported by
producers. This is attributed to non-diversified potato consumption culture in the country.
However, recently, processing and consumption of value added potato products, such as chips is
showing an increasing trend especially in urban areas. According to Agajie et al. (2007) indicated
that demand for potato chips by both high and low income households has increased in recent
years especially in Addis Ababa. Therefore, the sector has great potential for growth. This future
growth should be geared towards improving the performance of the whole potato value chain. It is
also important to link value chain with innovation system perspective in agricultural research for
development so that one reinforce the other.

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2.1.1 Major Potato Growing Areas

In Ethiopia, potato is grown in four major areas: the central, the eastern, the northwestern and the
southern together, they cover approximately 83% of the potato farmers (CSA 2008/2009).
In the central area, potato production includes the highland areas surrounding the capital city, i.e.
Addis Ababa. In this area the major potato growing zones are West Shewa and North Shewa.
About 10% of the potato farmers are located in this area (CSA 2008/2009). Average productivity
of a potato crop ranges from 8 to 10 Mg ha−1 which is higher than the productivity in the
northwestern and southern areas. This higher productivity might be due to the use of improved
varieties and practices obtained from Holetta Agricultural Research Centre in the central area. In
the central area potato is produced mainly in the belg (short rain season—February to May) and
me her (long rain season—June to October) periods. Potato is also grown off-season under
irrigation (October to January). Because of the cool climate and access to improved varieties,
farmers in this area of the country also produce seed potatoes which are sold to other farmers in
the vicinity or to NGOs and agricultural bureaus to be disseminated to distant farmers. In the
central area, farmers grow about
Seven local varieties, eight improved varieties and six clones (i.e. genetic material which is not
officially released).The eastern area of potato production mainly covers the eastern highlands of
Ethiopia, especially the East Harerge zone. Only about 3% of the total number of potato growers
is situated in this area (CSA 2008/2009), but the area is identified specifically because the
majority of the potato farmers in this area produce for the market and there is also some export to
Djibouti and Somalia. Potato is mainly grown under irrigation in the dry season (December to
April). This season is characterized by low disease pressure and relatively high prices (Mulatu et
al. 2005b).
Potato is also produced in the belg (February to May) and the meher (June to October) seasons.
Most farmers grow local potato varieties. Despite the use of local varieties, the productivity of
potato in this area is equivalent to the productivity in the central area. This might be due to good
farm management practices triggered by the farmers’ market orientation.

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The northwestern area of potato production is situated in the Amhara region. It is the major potato
growing area in the country, counting about 40% of the potato farmers. South Gender, North
Gondar, East Gojjam, West Gojjam and Agew Awe are the major potato production zones.
Farmers
mainly grow local varieties. Productivity ranges from 7 to 8 Mg ha−1. In this area, the largest
volume of potato is produced in the belg season followed by irrigated potato produced off-season.
(CSA 2008/2009).
The southern area of Ethiopia in which potato is grown, is mainly located in the Southern
Nations’, Nationalities and Peoples’ Regional State (SNNPRs) and partly in the Oromiya region.
The major potato producing zones in this area are Gurage, Gamo Goffa, Hadiya, Wolyta,
Kambata, Siltie and Sidama in the SNNPRS and West Arsi zone in Oromiya. More than 30% of
the total number of potato farmers is located in this area (CSA 2008/2009). Potato tubers are
produced under rain fed conditions and under irrigation. Productivity usually ranges from 7 to 8
Mg ha−1, whereas in some places potato productivity is even below7 Mg ha−1. About six
varieties are grown, of which four are local and two are improved (Endale et al. 2008).

2.2. Status of Seed Supply system and Research in Ethiopia

Once a new variety is developed and released from the national agricultural research system
(NARS), be it at the federal or regional level, it is mandatory that the variety should be put into
the seed production system. This requires a sequence of seed multiplication over several seasons
as several classes of seed: as nucleus, breeder, pre-basic, and basic in order to get adequate
amount for commercial seed production (certified seed).(S.G. Wiersema.( 1999)).These has been
chronic shortage of initial seeds and the research system couldn’t satisfy the demand of
commercial seed producers. On the other hand, since the seed system of the country is not well
developed, the little amount of seed produced hasn’t been channeled into the appropriate seed
system. After the development of the five years strategic plan, however, there has been
development in the national agricultural research centers and in turn which has changed its
direction towards client-driven quality seed production in required quantity using supplemental
irrigation. According to Struck, P.C., and S.G. Wiersema. 1999. the strategic plan also makes use
of special approaches such as crush seed multiplication in order to augment seed production under
normal season (rain fed) conditions, thereby fill the initial seed shortage. When we supply of
potato seed in Ethiopia, until now it is at lower development stages which comp aired to other

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commodities. The reason behind this is that the major factor in the formal system, the Ethiopian
Seed Enterprise, was remained the sole seed producer for years. But Seed production by this
enterprise is focusing mainly on only two cereal crops, wheat, and maize; seeds of other crops are
entirely supplied by the informal system
(farmer-to-farmer seed exchange) like potato seed. The enterprise is trying to produce as much
quantity of seeds as possible, but different reports indicating that it was continuously facing
inefficiencies particularly with respect to collecting seeds multiplied under farmers’ fields. One of
the several reasons the enterprise has failed to collect contractual seed production is due to
problems related to its pricing policy and capacity in terms of human and capital. The pricing
policy of the enterprise is usually failed to respond to the ever changing local market situations.
The price (particularly time of price adjustment) offered to farmers couldn’t attract the interests of
several farmers. As a result, most of the contractual farmers are insisting to give back what has
been produced, and the seed is sold as grain in any local markets.

2.3Types of Potato seed Systems in Ethiopia

Seed systems can be defined as the ways in which farmers produce, select, save and acquire seeds
(Sthapit et al. 2008).Seed systems in Ethiopia can be divided into three broad types: the formal
system and the informal system (sometimes called local or farmers seed system). Both systems
are operating simultaneously in the country and difficult to demarcate between the three. There is
however, a fact that the formal system is the original source of improved seeds in the informal
system. There is also a system referred to as integrated seed system. Other forms of seed systems
operating in both systems also exist such as Community-Based Seed System (CBSS).
2.3.1 Formal Seed System
The formal seed system is called formal because it is mainly government supported system and
several public institutions are also involved on it. The major actors of the formal system are:
National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Ethiopian Seed
Enterprise (ESE) and private seed companies specializing on specific crops like Pioneer.
Recently, regional seed enterprises (RSE) were also established as public seed enterprises (such as
Oromia Seed Enterprise (OSE), Amhara Seed Enterprise (ASE), and Southern Nations
nationalities and Peoples Region Seed Enterprise (SRSE) and entered into the formal system. All
actors have inter-dependent roles in the system and inefficiency of one actor will automatically
affect negatively the performances of the rest of the actors. NARS (EIAR & RARIs) is

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responsible for variety development and supply of initial seed, and ESE and RSEs are playing key
roles in mass production of improved seeds. MoA is also involved in variety release,
multiplication, certification, and distribution of seeds in the country. Private seed growers and
other farmer institutions such as unions and cooperatives are also playing key roles in
multiplication and distribution of different classes of seeds. Legal institutions such as variety
release procedures, intellectual property rights, certification programs, seed standards, contract
laws, and law enforcement are also an important component of the formal seed system of any
country. They help determine the quantity, quality, and cost of seeds passing through the seed
system (Maredia, et al., 1999).
In the formal seed potato system seed tubers are produced by licensed private sector specialists
and cooperatives. There is no public formal seed potato supply system in Ethiopia. The
contribution of the formal seed potato system to the overall seed tuber use in Ethiopia is very
meager as both the private sector and the cooperatives are at the incipient stage. Very recently,
two seed potato producer cooperatives were established and two more are under the process in the
central area of Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Seed Enterprise (ESE) is not involved in seed potato
production and supply because of its limited capacity (Maredia, et al., 1999)
2.3.2.Informal Seed System
The informal seed system, also known as local system or sometimes as “farmers" system, is called
informal because it operates under non-law regulated and characterized by farmer-to-farmer seed
exchangeAccording to Cromwell, Fries-Hansen, and Turner (1992), five key features distinguish
the informal from the formal system. These are, the informal system is traditional, semi-
structured, operate at the individual community level, uses a wide range of exchange mechanisms,
and usually deal with small quantities of seeds often demanded by farmers. In the context of some
countries like Ethiopia, the informal system is extremely important for seed security. The bulk of
seed supply is provided through the informal system, implying its importance in national seed
security. The majority of Ethiopian farmers show a tendency of depending on the informal system
due to the following key reasons
It is relatively cheaper and readily available in the farmers’ villages just at the time of seed is
needed. It allows use of seeds after testing on primary adopter farmers. It is more reliable and its
sustainability is more guaranteed than the formal system.

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2.3.3The integrated seed system
The integrated seed potato system is a seed potato system that supplies seed tubers produced by
local farmers under financial and technical support from NGOs and breeding centers. In Ethiopia
there are community-based seed supply systems which are undertaken by the community with
technical and financial assistance of NGOs and breeding centers. Self-help development
international (SHDI) and the FAO seed security project, both in the eastern area of Ethiopia (Get
chew and Meal 2000; Mulatu et al. 2005a), can be mentioned as good examples. These NGOs
formed cooperative, community-based seed enterprises (CCBSEs) which produce seed tubers of
improved varieties and sell those to other farmers or back to the NGOs for further dissemination.
The roles of NGOs have been to provide the financial assistance to CCBSEs and to link the
CCBSEs to the breeding center for technical assistance.
There are also farmers’ research groups (FRG) and farmers’ field schools (FFS) in the central and
northwestern areas of Ethiopia which are involved in seed potato production (Bekele et al. 2002).
They are formed by the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR). Some members of
FRG and FFS in the central area of Ethiopia became specialized seed potato growers
(Gildemacher et al. 2009b).These “specialized” commercial seed potato producers are local
smallholder farmers. These farmers are producing better quality seed tubers than other farmers but
these may still not be of standard quality.
2.4 Current situation of potato seed system in Ethiopia
Generally, in all areas of Ethiopia, there is no separate plot and management for ware and seed
potato production. Mostly, potato tubers are sorted into ware and seed immediately after harvest.
For most potato producers seed potato is usually considered as the by-product of ware potato.
Ethiopian potato seed system has been confronted with several challenges. Some of them are
identified as a major challenge of the general seed system of the country includes: Lack of proper
linkage between different actors involved in seed systems; Inadequate supply of good quality seed
at affordable prices; Focus only on few crops (maize & wheat) in the formal system and other
beneficial crops (such as pulses & oilseeds) remain orphans Low level of private sector
involvement in the formal system; Inefficient seed promotion, distribution and marketing
mechanisms; Weak variety release and seed quality assurance system.
To analyze the performance of the present seed systems, we use different perspectives and with
different objectives. According to Weltzienand vom Brocke (2001) the five functions (seed

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quality, appropriateness of variety, timeliness of seed availability, conditions under which the
seed is available and capacity to innovate) should be performed by a seed system to avail high-
quality seed of varieties preferred by farmers insufficient amount at the right time and for a
reasonable price. These functions can be analyzed based on four process-oriented components of
a seed system that overlap and interact. These four seed system components are germplasm base,
seed production and quality, seed availability and distribution, and information flow. In order to
analyses specifically there are another components those make the above component suit. These
components are (I) seed production and storage, (ii) seed tuber quality, (iii) seed availability and
distribution, and (IV) information flow
.2.5. Current status of potato seed production in Ethiopia
2.6. Potential status and challenges of potato seed production in Ethiopia
Ethiopia has possibly the highest potential for potato production of any country in Africa.
Ethiopia has favorable environmental condition (climate condition, soil type etc.) and suitable
land for potato seed production. There is a high potential to expand the cultivation area of the
potato crop, as 70% of the country’s arable and has potentially suitable to potato
cultivation(Gebremedhin Woldegeorgis,et.al.2008).Currently, only 2% of the potential area in
Ethiopia is under potato production and the average productivity of potato is less than 10Mg/ha.
Most of the available agricultural land is located at an altitude of 1800-2500m.a.s.l and receive an
annual rainfall of more than 600-1200mm, which is suitable for potato production (Yilma, s.1991)
However, major problems in potato seed production are lack of knowledge on quality seed potato
production, seed storage problem, high price of inputs (fertilizer, pesticides etc.), lack of educated
Labor, disease problem especially late blight, viruses etc, and insect pest problem especially aphid
infestation that helps to disseminate virus diseases to potato plant (Rashid,2001),etc.
In addition, there are some other problems that can be frequently identified. There are lack
modernization of agriculture, low level of industrialization, lack linkage between public and
private sectors for sustainable quality seed development program, insufficient of trained
manpower, poor coordination at different levels of formal seed production and also lack of
research done on quality potato seed production in Ethiopia.
2.7 Potato seed production practices

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According to (Assefa, Alemayehu 2011), many of the practices used in seed production are
similar to those used in commercial production. Only those practices that are specific to seed
production are discussed in this section.
Seed Selection and Handling: A potato crop is only as good as the seed. When purchasing seed,
ensure the supplier has a reputation of delivering a quality product. Also, check that the growing
area has a history of producing quality seed. A visit to prospective seed suppliers both during the
growing season and once the crop is in storage will assist to ensure quality. Before buying any
seed for re-certification, the grower should be satisfied that the seed is going to have a good
chance of passing the certification inspections. It is generally fruitless to plant a seed lot having
even a low incidence of disease with the expectation that the diseased plants can be removed
through rouging. Check the results of field and storage inspections and insist on Post-Harvest test
results before agreeing to purchase seed. When negotiating purchase of a seed lot, determine the
method of delivery, date of delivery, desired tuber size distribution, tuber temperature and degree
of sprout development. Inspect the seed immediately (and frequently) during delivery to ensure
that it meets the agreed upon quality stipulations (Assefa, Alemayehu (2011), s)
Seed Cutting: It is common practice of cutting whole seed tubers into smaller seed pieces.
The object of cutting is to produce uniform seed pieces with uniform weight.
Growers should consult with their provincial potato specialist or processor field staff for seed size
recommendations. Some varieties (Shepody and Yukon Gold) have poor eye distribution and
larger seed pieces ranging from 2.25 to 2.50 oz (64 to 71 g) are recommended. Variation in seed
piece size results in variability of size, shape and yield of tubers from plant to plant.
Planting: Timely planting is as important in seed production as in table or processing production.
Plant early and plan on an early vine kill and harvest. This will reduce the risk of introduction and
spread of viral diseases by late season winged aphid. Plant the highest generation seed lots first to
minimize risk of disease. Clean all equipment between seed lots. Cup type planters are less likely
to spread disease within a seed lot than pick type plante (Assefa, Alemayehu (2011), s).
Seed spacing: In-row spacing is the main factor controlling tuber size. Optimum seed spacing is
based on varietal characteristics and climactic conditions. Closer in-row spacing is used in seed
production to maximize yield of the desirable, smaller tuber sizes. In-row spacing of 6-12" (15-30
cm) are recommended for seed production, depending on variety, irrigated or rain-fed production,
area in which the potatoes are grown and other climactic condition (Assefa, Alemayehu (2011), s)

10
Irrigation: A continuous supply of an adequate amount of moisture via timely rainfall or
irrigation is crucial for maximizing yields and quality of seed potatoes. Adequate moisture at
tuber set is particularly important as it encourages setting of a large number of tubers and controls
or reduces the severity of common scab. Over-irrigation increases susceptibility to late blight,
blackleg, powdery scab and tuber rots (Assefa, Alemayehu (2011), s)
Fertility: Fertility requirements for seed are generally comparable to other types of production.
Highly vigorous, early-generation seed may require less fertilizer for optimum yields, particularly
if the crop is grown under rain-fed conditions or is going to be top-killed early (Assefa,
Alemayehu (2011), s)
Weed control: Effective weed control in seed fields can be obtained through timely tillage and
the application of approved herbicides. Note that some herbicides registered for use in table and
processing potatoes are not recommended in seed crops. Caution should be exercised when
applying herbicides to adjacent crops. Drift of certain herbicides can be translocated to the
daughter tubers. The affected tubers lack vigor and produce plants displaying symptoms of
herbicide injury. Herbicide residues from previous crops can also be taken up by the seed crop
producing similar results (Assefa, Alemayehu (2011), s)

2.8 Disease and insect Prevention

Disease Prevention: In seed potato production it is imperative to maintain disease within levels
tolerated by the certification system. Failure to achieve the tolerated disease levels will result in
either the downgrading or rejection of specific seed lots or in certain cases the rejection of the
entire farm from certification. Bacterial ring rot is the most devastating disease since its presence
will result in the rejection of the total farm. (Bekele, K., and B. Eshetu. 2008)
Insect Management: Certain types of aphids and leafhoppers have the potential to both introduce
and spread viral diseases within a seed crop. Controlling the populations of these insects by the
application of insecticides at planting or after crop emergence will reduce, but not completely
eliminate, problems with insect-borne disease. Seed growers should monitor insect populations
and if possible, plan on vine killing before insect numbers increase beyond acceptable levels.
Isolation and planting clean seed will also reduce the risk of insects spreading disease within the
seed crop. (Bekele, K., and B. Eshetu. 2008)

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2.9.Storage methods and qualities ofSeed potato

2.9.1 Seed Potato Storage Methods:

Seed potato storage is a common practice in all potato producing areas of Ethiopia. Farmers store
seed potato by leaving the tubers in the soil un-harvested (postponed harvesting); by other
traditional storage methods like in a local granary, on bed-like structures or the floor in their
house; or by diffused-light storage (DLS). Because of storage and other post-harvest problems
Ethiopia loses 30–50% of its potato production (Endale et al. 2008b). Types of storage are
described in more detail below.
a) Postponed harvesting as storage mechanism: Postponed harvesting is the most commonly
used storage method for ware potatoes in the highland and northwestern areas of the country to
extend piece-meal consumption and also to wait for a better price (Endale etal. 2008b). According
to these authors, tubers can be kept up to 4 months without major quality loss in cool highlands.
This storage method is also used to store seed potatoes.
b) Other traditional storage methods: Farmers also store seed potatoes in bags stacked on the
floor in untidy places in the house where there is no ventilation, heaped loosely or put on a bed-
like structure.
c) Diffused light storage: Diffused light storage (DLS) is a storage method using a low cost
rustic structure to store seed tubers. It maintains seed tuber quality by allowing diffusion of light
and free ventilation which suppress sprout elongation and thereby slow-down aging of the serout.

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3. Summary and Futurenln Line Work
3.1 Summary
Potato provides an opportunity for economic development. It is one of the most productive food
crops in terms of yields of edible energy and good quality protein per unit area and per unit of
time fitting into intensive cropping systems. In Ethiopia several varieties of potato are grown by
farmers some of which are local and others are improved varieties. Among the major problems
those affect potato seed production includes: diseases, lack of good varieties of seed, insufficient
supply of input, transportation problems, shortage of storage material and lack of giving
encouragement for firms and private sectors, marketing problem, unknown origin of potato seed
and equipment contaminations are the major problems. Seed systems can be defined as the ways
in which farmers produce, select, save and acquire seeds. Seed systems in Ethiopia can be divided
into three broad types: the formal system and the informal system and integrated seed system.
Among three types of seed system the majority of Ethiopian farmers show a tendency of
depending on the informal system due to the following key reasons; It is relatively cheaper and
readily available in the farmer’s villages just at the time of seed is needed, It allows use of seeds
after testing on primary adopter farmers, It is more reliable and its sustainability is more
guaranteed than the formal system.To increase productivity of potato seed, care must be taken to
different production practices like: seed selection and handling, planting and fertility, weed
control, diseases presentation, insect and irrigation management and storage method and seed
quality.

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3.2 Future line work
In Ethiopia most of the people’s livelihood is based on agriculture. But the agricultural sector is
not well developed that means the consumers cannot fulfill even home requirement or needs.
Potato is also one of agricultural product which gives greater contribution to economic
development but it is not reach its required development. This indicates the existence of gaps in
potato seed production and marketing. So to fill this gap this seminar paper recommends the
following main points.

Potato provides an opportunity for economic development. It is one of the most productive food
crops in terms of yields of edible energy and good quality protein per unit area and per unit of
time fitting into intensive cropping systems. But its productivity is lower compared to other
agricultural crops.

Finally, we recommend that the government should give greater attention to agricultural sector
especially for potato farming and proper extension service should give to the producer about
market activities such as: production, processing and supplying of potato seed to the final market
by employing experienced and skillful personnel.

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