DECODI & Chicken's Hope Chest Comprehensive Training for Potato Farming Extension Workers

.                    FPI, DECODI & Hope Chest officials 

Farmer’s Pride Internationals in collaboration with DECODI (Development Community Initiative) and Children’s Hope Chest. The training took place in Soroti, a region in Teso, Northern Uganda. Here’s what was covered:

1. Potato Cultivation Techniques:

   • Soil Preparation and Fertilization: Extension workers learned about soil types suitable for potato farming, how to prepare the soil, and the importance of proper fertilization.
   • Seed Selection and Planting Methods: Participants explored best practices for selecting high-quality potato seeds and effective planting techniques.
   • Pest and Disease Management: The training emphasized identifying common pests and diseases affecting potato crops and implementing preventive measures.
   • Irrigation Practices: Extension workers gained insights into efficient irrigation methods to optimize potato yield.

2. Value Addition and Processing:

   • Post-Harvest Handling and Storage: Participants learned how to handle harvested potatoes to minimize losses and maintain quality.
   • Quality Control and Grading: The training covered grading standards and quality assessment.
   • Potato Processing Techniques: Extension workers explored methods for making potato chips, fries, and flour, adding value to the produce.
   • Market-Oriented Approaches: The session highlighted strategies to enhance the market value of potatoes.

3. Sustainable Farming Practices:

   • Conservation Agriculture: Extension workers discussed practices that promote soil health, such as minimal soil disturbance and cover cropping.
   • Crop Rotation and Intercropping: Participants learned about crop rotation to prevent soil depletion and intercropping for better land utilization.
   • Organic Farming Methods: The training emphasized eco-friendly approaches to potato cultivation.
   • Water Conservation Strategies: Extension workers explored ways to conserve water resources.

4. Extension Services and Communication:

   • Effective Communication with Farmers: Participants were trained on clear communication techniques to engage with local farmers.
   • Conducting Field Demonstrations: Extension workers practiced demonstrating farming techniques to farmers.
   • Record-Keeping and Data Management: The training covered maintaining accurate records for monitoring and evaluation.
   • Building Trust and Rapport with the Community: Extension workers learned how to establish strong relationships with farmers.

Way Forward:

• Smart Objectives: Extension workers will set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives related to potato farming support.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Points:
  • Regular monitoring will assess progress toward objectives.
  • Evaluation will identify areas for improvement.
  • Learning points will be shared among extension workers to enhance their effectiveness.

By empowering extension workers with knowledge and skills, this training aims to create a thriving potato farming community in Soroti, contributing to improved livelihoods and sustainable agricultural practices¹. 🌱🥔