New outlook to Farmer's Pride International (FPI) Potatoes farming Skills and Knowledge transfer workshops (September 2024 Onwards)

From September 2024, Farmer’s Pride International In partnership with (MFK GARDENS FARMERS) Learning Center in Mmopane, Botswana's Southern District will be bringing a new outlook to its Potato farming Skills and Knowledge transfer workshops

New Course Title:

Potato farming, Value Addition, and Processing.

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive overview of potato farming, including cultivation techniques, pest and disease management, harvesting, storage, and marketing. Additionally, the course covers value addition and processing techniques to increase the economic value of potatoes.

Course Delivery

• Lectures and presentations
• Hands-on practical sessions
• Field visits to farms and processing units
• Group discussions and case studies

Assessment

• Quizzes and assignments
• Practical demonstrations
• Final project on a value-added potato product

 

Target Audience

• Aspiring farmers
• Agricultural students
• Entrepreneurs interested in food processing
• Agricultural extension workers

Course Duration

• 3 theory days and 3 months practice (12 weeks)  

 

Certification

• Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course

 

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Potato Farming

• Overview of potato as a crop
• Importance of potatoes in agriculture and economy
• Types of potatoes and their uses

Module 2: Soil Preparation and Planting

• Soil requirements for potato cultivation
• Land preparation techniques
• Seed selection and planting methods

Module 3: Crop Management

• Irrigation practices
• Fertilization and nutrient management
• Weed control strategies

Module 4: Pest and Disease Management

• Common pests affecting potatoes
• Disease identification and management
• Integrated pest management strategies

Module 5: Harvesting and Storage

• Signs of maturity and harvesting techniques
• Post-harvest handling and storage methods
• Factors affecting storage quality

Module 6: Marketing of Potatoes

• Market analysis and demand assessment
• Packaging and transportation
• Pricing strategies and market access

Module 7: Value Addition Techniques

• Introduction to value addition
• Processing methods (e.g., chips, fries, flour)
• Nutritional enhancement and product diversification

Module 8: Processing of Potatoes

• Equipment and technology for processing
• Quality control measures
• Regulatory requirements for processed products

Module 9: Business Planning and Entrepreneurship

• Developing a business plan for potato farming and processing
• Financial management and funding options
• Case studies of successful potato businesses

Module 10: Sustainability in Potato Farming

• Sustainable farming practices
• Environmental impact and mitigation strategies
• Future trends in potato farming and processing

Module 11: Potato Distribution and Exports

• Title: Potato Distribution and Exports
• Subtitle: Understanding Global Markets and Supply Chains
• Image: [Placeholder for potato distribution image

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