Realising an industry's potential
Ugandan-made Sumz potato crisps are well-known and widely-consumed across the country. Produced by the nation’s largest potato processing company, Psalms Food Industries Ltd, the crisps are more than just a snack - they represent the commercial potential of Uganda's potato industry.
To produce these quality crisps, Psalms Food Industries Ltd needs a reliable supply of good quality potato. Through a partnership between REACH-Uganda and New Bukumbi Coffee (NBC), the Psalms Food Industries Ltd is now able to purchase recently introduced Dutch potato varieties. These potatoes are better suited to processing than local varieties which results in less wastage and improved output. Importantly, the crisps that are produced taste better.
A coffee processor, NBC works with farming communities via village cooperative networks to source quality coffee beans. It is now using this same model to support farmers to diversify into the new Dutch potato varieties. With higher yields, a greater resistance to disease and existing demand from companies such as Psalms Food Industries Ltd, these new varieties have the potential to improve incomes and livelihoods for farmers in rural Uganda, while also boosting food security and nutrition.
Partnering to improve potato production
Previously, farmers planted locally-sourced potato varieties such as Rwangume, Kinigi, Kachpot 1 and Victoria. The yields from these varieties were low, with an average of 5-10 bags produced per acre.
In addition to low yields, farmers were faced with limited seed supplies, long maturity periods and poor processing suitability, which meant limited options for commercial sales. Sale prices for local varieties fluctuated, sometimes dropping to as low as UGX 500 per kg in a poor season.
All of these factors served to discourage farmers from growing potatoes on any significant scale.
With funding from the Embassy of the Netherlands in Uganda, REACH-Uganda secured an import permit from the Ugandan Ministry of Agriculture Animal lndustries and Fisheries to import a total of 37.5 metric tons (MT) of seed from the Netherlands-based breeder HZPC which included 25 MT of Taurus and 12.5 MT of Panamera seed potato. REACH-Uganda procured and seed and each of the 49 farmers involved in the first stage of production were given 700 kgs of seed to plant on 0.85 acres per farmer.
Farmers trained in Dutch potato production and post-harvest handling
Before planting the Dutch potato varieties, farmers were trained in agronomy, pre-planting, planting, crop protection and post-harvest management. Demonstration gardens were planted and REACH-Uganda brought in an agronomist to provide on-site training for farmers. Only farmers with well-prepared land were provided with seed potato, boosting the chances of successful harvests.
Careful post-harvest handling ensures potatoes maintain their quality between harvest and sales, reducing wasted crops or farmers being left with poor quality produce to sell.
Good storage conditions are key to longer shelf-life and REACH-Uganda supported NBC to construct a state-of-the art, 120 square metre ambient store, with the capacity to store 360 bags of ware potatoes for a month or longer.
NBC farmers have reason to smile
Aliguma Gino (pictured) is one of the many farmers encouraged and supported by NBC to plant new Dutch potato varieties in Kabarole District.
“Before this initiative, I used local seed but its yield was low because of bacterial wilt. From one acre, I would get only 25-30kgs. The yield was too low and I abandoned potato farming for three years,” Aliguma said.
Aliguma attended an NBC information session on the Dutch potato varieties with his farmers group and was encouraged to try planting the new varieties. NBC provided him with 700 kgs of Panamera seed potato which he planted across 0.85-acres.
From an initial investment of UGX 1.2 million (USD 325) which covered land preparation, planting, weeding, and crop protection, Aliguma harvested five tonnes of potato which he sold to NBC for UGX 3.7 million (USD 1028).
“I used to think that potato was only grown for food and not on a commercial basis. I now want to expand my potato crop and was inspired by the modern technology used at Namakwaland Farm, especially the use of irrigation,” Aliguma said.
With a bumper first harvest, Aliguma will expand his potato crop to five acres next season. He credits the success of the first harvest to the support provided by NBC and REACH-Uganda, including training and a visit to Namakwaland Farm – a commercial potato farm in Masaka District.
Ezekiel Mumbere (pictured here with his son) from Bunyangabu District, also enjoyed a profitable potato harvest through the NBC and REACH-Uganda partnership. Ezekiel was provided with 28 bags of Taurus potato seed which he planted on an acre of land. He harvested 4.6 tonnes of potato which he sold to NBC for UGX 3.5 million (USD 973).
“I used to plant haphazardly with no knowledge of good agronomic practices. With the training and support through NBC and REACH-Uganda, we are confident in more productive potato crops. I can now make plans to complete the construction of my house, pay school fees and even purchase more land,” Ezekiel said.
Farmers like Aliguma and Ezekiel are happy with the new Dutch varieties and their interest in potato farming is renewed – a venture they, like many Ugandan farmers, had abandoned. With the high yields and NBC’s stable price set at UGX 750 per kg Aliguma and Ezekiel reported they had enough food for their families and a secure income from potato sales. In total, NBC paid UGX 122 million shillings (USD 33,000) to the 49 farmers involved in this first phase of the project.
Building on and stabilising the success
Encouraged by the success of the first Dutch potato harvest, NBC and REACH-Uganda are working to stabilise the value chain and expand the number of farmers involved. To achieve an even higher yield next season, they will focus on early planting, reducing soil erosion through terracing of gardens, and intensifying trainings and extension services to NBC’s farmers.
“We have future plans to stabilize this new potato value chain and plan to eventually work with 700 farmers planting 700 acres of Dutch Taurus and Markies varieties. Our vision is that these crops will supply processors and consumers all over Uganda,” said NBC Managing Director David Baingana.
Linking farmers to business and business to markets
Between November 2020 and January 2021, NBC supplied Psalms Food Industries Ltd with 82 MTs of Dutch Taurus potatoes produced through the partnership with REACH-Uganda.
The feedback from Psalms Food Industries Ltd was positive, with Managing Director, Dennis Ngabirano, reporting a preference for Taurus potatoes over local varieties as there was less waste, particularly from the automated peeling process.
"The Taurus potato has a higher output with a peel loss of only 2.2 percent compared to 4.6 percent for local varieties, which also come with an additional cost associated with the need to scoop out the ‘eyes’,” Mr Ngabirano said.
Increased productivity and profitability benefits all
REACH-Uganda’s work to support the sustainable development of the potato sector in Uganda is beginning to reap rewards.
The introduction of the new Dutch potato varieties has resulted in increased productivity and profitability for small-holder potato farmers, through better quality yields and linkages to agricultural enterprises like NBC. By working with farmers to improve productivity, enterprises such as NBC generate greater revenue and provide the links between farmers and processors.
For processors like Psalms Food Industries, they now have a more reliable supply of greater volumes of locally-produced, quality potatoes – a win for consumers with a wider choice of home-grown, affordable and tasty potato products.
The introduction of the Dutch potato varieties and the strengthening of the system around their production, is a win for all - generating greater household incomes and food security, strengthening the Ugandan economy through a stronger potato industry that can produce potato products of a standard to rival international imports.
About REACH-Uganda: By the end of 2020, REACH-Uganda activities had been implemented in 20 districts in South West and Eastern Uganda, targeting the improvement of potato and rice market systems. Using a market systems development approach, REACH-Uganda has improved market engagement for farmers, strengthened household resilience, and deepened the availability of agriculture support services. As a result, 36,398 farmers (62% women, 37% youth) have been trained in Farming as a Business, Good Agricultural Practices and Climate Smart Agriculture. A total of 6,627 potato and 17,532 rice farmers have earned an additional USD 10.2m through increased productivity. Rehabilitation of 67km of feeder roads has allowed improved market, health and education access for over 156,000 individuals. By 2024 REACH-facilitated agribusiness linkages between farmers and 26 private sector firms including banks will assist 59,798 farmers and create 826 full time jobs. It is projected that 3,600 farmers will register increased savings of USD 2.1m.
Credits
- Photography and Text: IFDC Uganda / Masturah Chemisto / Agnetta Nabukenya
- Editing and Production: Lisa Ritchie
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