Rural & Urban Agriculture Innovative Production Program (RUAIPP).

    1.1 The plant - how to grow potato The potato  ( Solanum tuberosum ) is an herbaceous annual that grows up to 100 cm (40 inches) tall and produces tubers, which are botanically thickened stems that are so rich in starch that they rank as the world's fourth most important food crop, after maize, wheat and rice.   The potato belongs to the Solanaceae, and shares the genus  Solanum  with at least 1,000 other species, including tomato and eggplant.  S. tuberosum  is divided into two, only slightly different, subspecies:  andigena , which is adapted to short day conditions and is mainly grown in the Andes, and  tuberosum , the potato now cultivated around the world, which is believed to descend from a small introduction to Europe of  andigena  potatoes that later adapted to longer day conditions.     Figure 1: A scheme of the potato plant   1.2 Soil type and pH Potatoes will grow on most soils, organic as well as ...

Dear Esteemed Tanzanian Community, We are thrilled to announce that Farmer’s Pride International is back and now fully registered under its own name as Farmer’s Pride International ! 🌾🌟 After facing numerous setbacks and enduring betrayals from trusted lieutenants, we have persevered, learned valuable lessons, and emerged stronger than ever. Our unwavering commitment to sustainable agriculture, economic empowerment, and community development remains at the core of our mission. What Can You Expect from Farmer’s Pride International? Innovative Agricultural Practices : We are dedicated to promoting sustainable farming techniques that enhance productivity while preserving our precious natural resources. Look forward to workshops, training sessions, and practical demonstrations on modern farming methods. Potato Farming Excellence : Our expertise in potato farming continues to grow. Stay tuned for exciting initiatives related to potato cultivation, value addition, and processing. Communit...

Potatoes: Diseases and Symptoms  wilt Septoria leaf spot Late blight Early blight Common scab Black scurf/ canker Viral disease (potato virus X, S, & Y) Potato Spindle Tuber Viroid (PSTVd) Black leg and soft rot Pink rot Black heart- disorder IPM for Potato Bacterial wilt Disease symptoms: In addition to the potato, the pathogen also damages plants such as chili, tomato, tobacco and egg plant, as well as several species of weeds. The symptoms of bacterial wilt infection can be seen on all parts of infected plants. Infected plant begins to wilt, starting from the tips of the leaves or where the stems branch out, and then spreading to all parts of the plant. Leaves become yellow at their bases, then the whole plant wilts and dies. When stems are cut a brown colored ring will be visible. When a tuber is cut in half, black or brown rings will, however, be visible. If left for a while or squeezed, these rings will exude a thick white fluid. A further symptom is fluid coming out of t...

As a potato farmer, understanding the different growth stages of potatoes and their corresponding fertilizer requirements is crucial for a successful harvest. Let’s dive into the stages and the best practices for fertilization: Sprout Development : Duration : 7–20 days after planting. Description : During this stage, the planted potato pieces develop roots and stems. The eyes of the potato sprout and turn into stems, which eventually rise out of the soil to follow sunlight. Roots also develop to absorb moisture. Fertilization : Nitrogen-rich fertilizer can be applied during this stage to promote healthy foliage. Optimal soil pH is between 6 and 6.5, and temperatures above 45°F are ideal for sprout development. Avoid disturbing the soil to prevent slowing down sprout growth 1 . Vegetative Growth : Duration : 20–40 days after sprout development. Description : Potato plants show above-soil growth, forming more stems and leaves. This stage is sometimes called the “vining” stage due to the ...

As a passionate potato farmer and entrepreneur, having the right tools is essential for successful potato farming. Let’s explore some of the essential tools and equipment you’ll need for growing and harvesting potatoes: Garden Fork or Spade : These tools are crucial for preparing the planting area. They help loosen the soil and create a suitable bed for planting your potatoes 1 . Seed Potatoes : To start your potato plants, you’ll need high-quality seed potatoes. Choose disease-free varieties that are well-suited to your climate and soil conditions 1 . Compost or Well-Rotted Manure : Adding organic matter to your soil improves its structure, fertility, and water retention. Compost or well-rotted manure provides essential nutrients for healthy potato growth 1 . Mulch : Mulching is vital for growing potatoes. It helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Straw, hay, or shredded leaves make excellent mulch options 1 . Watering Can or Hose : Proper irrigati...