Khmelnytsky Farmers Make Profit by Growing Elite Potato Seed
Challenge
Until recently, Ukrainian farmers and house plot owners (HPOs) grew potatoes using old traditional methods and backward technologies, mostly for their home consumption. For the last five years, the drop of potato yields has threatened the potato production in Khmelnytsky oblast.
Initiative
In partnership with agricultural universities in three oblasts of Ukraine , the USAID-funded project - Improving Income of Private Ukrainian Agricultural Producers through Agricultural Extension – has developed educational programs for farmers and HPOs to adopt new technologies of potato production and revive the industry.
The Extension specialists of the Center for Private Farmer Training and Outreach in Khmelnytsky Oblast conducted seminars, organized Field Days and trips to demonstration plots for farmers and HPOs, provided recommendations on better technologies of potato production and encouraged them to use good varieties and productive seeds.
In spring 2003, the Center assisted potato producers of six raions of the oblast in forming an association to improve input/market opportunities for farmers. By working closely with the Center, the association participated in the project’s Small Grant program. This allowed its members to purchase elite seeds of the best recommended varieties and to plant on small demonstration plots. Fifty-two people (18 farmers and 34 HPOs) received and planted 6,500 kg of seed. In addition, faculty members of the Center conducted four seminars in Khmelnytsky, Gorodok, Kamyanets-Podilsky and Teofipil raions and taught members of the association how to use plant protection means and find better tools for profitable marketing of their produce.
Results
As a result, members of the association received yields in proportion 4.5 kg to 1 kg planted, with gross output of 29,250 kg. According to the Small Grant Agreement, the producers who received seeds in 2003 were required to transfer 250 kg each to other farmers of the oblast. Twenty-eight farmers and HPOs in 14 raions received potato seeds. After the transfer, they sold the rest of the yields, 22,750 kg, as seed material. Based on the commodity price and production cost, the profit from potatoes grown on demonstration plots equaled $8,552, or approximately $170 for each member of the association.
The program launched by the Project supported farmers not only in increasing their income, but also in learning and adopting new technologies of potato production. The transfer of the seeds to 156 additional producers promoted application of elite seeds in all raions of the Khmelnytsky oblast. Scientific research institutions within the oblast demonstrated their interests for collaboration in potato seed production. The Khmelnytsky Oblast Research Station particularly suggests its services in providing virus-free technologies.
In 2004, the Potato Association expanded by 56 people and currently covers 17 raions. The area under the quality potatoes increased by 11 hectares. Tough tangible results of 2004 will become evident only after harvesting, the prediction is that the producers who received good seeds from the project may receive the output of 131,625 kg and the profit of $49,500 respectively.
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| The association members present elite potato seeds at the potato exhibition and testing in Gorodok, Khmelnytsky oblast |
The association members present elite potato seeds at the potato exhibition and testing in Gorodok, Khmelnytsky oblast |
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