FARMERS EXPECT GOOD RETURNS FROM POTATO SCHOOL

BY BRIAN LEZUTUNI


Potato farmers from the Solomon Islands are expecting huge Potato yields following the introduction of a Sweet Potato Farmer’s Field School (FFS) in the country.
The School which was officially launched on Thursday last week is funded by the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and implemented by the International Potato Center (CIP).
The aim of the farmer’s field school is to train local farmers on technical methods of planting varieties of potato designed to produce higher yields than those seen in the country today.
Local Coordinator of CIP Lawrence Atu told Island Sun that Potatoes planted for experiment by students at the center came from vines cleaned and processed at laboratories in Fiji and Australia.
“These vines underwent a yearlong cleaning process whereby different methods were used to clean plants preventing them from disease.
“Students of the school will have the opportunity to study and share ideas on how best to grow crops by experimenting and observing the 19 varieties of sweet potatoes brought in as part of their learning experience,” he said.
Last week the school launched its first programme for 17 Sweet Potato farmers from East Guadalcanal at the Don Bosco Rural Training Center at Tetere.
During its launching programme Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Alfred Maesulia said such initiative looks set to improve the country’s food security and financial outlook.
He said sweet Potato is the most important staple food crop for Solomon Islanders and the school has come at a right time.
“Changes in the climatic Conditions have impacted largely on sweet potato production in the country and the introduction of the school is a timely approach,” Maesulia stated.
He added that in 2004 production was put at 280,000 tones, which is worth around $40 million Australian dollars.
“Such is the importance of the crop that it has high priority in the country’s development plans and agency aspirations.
“The Government the Ministry will therefore support the project and assist in seeking market opportunities overseas for local sweet potato varieties,” Maesulia concluded.