Science and technology based interventions to improve the productivity and income of sweet potato and potato farmers
2012
Simongo, D.K. | Quindara, H.L. | Botangen, E.T., Benguet State Univ., La Trinidad, Benguet (Philippines). Northern Philippines Root Crops Research and Training Center, La Trinidad, Benguet (Philippines)
Science and technology based interventions on the adoption of suitable sweet potato variety for processing and fertilizer practice has been done at the farm level to help improve production and quality of sweet potatoes and potatoes for value adding activities. An alternative sweet potato variety (Bengueta) for production and chips processing was compared with a farmer's variety (Kalbo-oy). Bengueta sweet potato can be primed 4-5 months after planting with an average yield of 500 g/hill while the local variety (Kalbo-oy) is primed 6-7 months after planting with an average yield of 350 g/hill. Higher yield could be attributed to the lower incidence of weevil. Incidence of weevil infestation was low when priming starts earlier in December until March where the soil is cold and moist. The introduced variety has acceptable chipping qualities that include easier slicing, less fibrous, and crunchy. To enhance technology commercialization, an association of sweet potato growers and processors has been organized by the farmer-partner. The additional application of sulfur, potassium and magnesium fertilizers to the farmer's practice had improved potato tuber yield ranging from 20-37%. The intervention also increased tuber dry matter content from 22% (farmer's practice) to more than 24% with better chipping qualities. Technology dissemination and empowerment involved hands on training cum production, product promotion and marketing. Chips contain higher calcium and potassium and lower sodium as compared to the commercially available chips. Potato chips processing as a household enterprise are undertaken by the farmer with a monthly production volume of 1,560 packs (35 g packing size) with 7 market outlets. Application of production technologies can increase yield and quality of potatoes. However, when the farm gate price ranges from PhP 10-25/kg, the farmer's income remains to be low. partial budget analysis and case studies showed that combining appropriate production technologies with chips processing increases household income.
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