SOUTH KOREA LAUNCHES $120M POTATO SEED PROJECT IN KIGEZI

By Vanansio Kakogoso
In Kabale–
Scientists at Kacwekanao Zonal agriculture research and development institute in Rubanda district in collaboration with Korea Program on International Agriculture (Kopia) Uganda have launched 120 million US dollars potato seed project.
The project that will be funded by Government of Republic of South Korea for three years is aimed at increasing potato productivity and increasing farmers’ income through supplying high quality seed.
The Director Kacwekanao zonal agriculture research and development ; Alex Barekye speaking at the launch Friday morning expressed concern over low productivity of potatoes in the country, due to poor quality seed and poor management of gardens.
Barekye said he said that potato productivity per hectare is at 7 tones yet the farmers have capacity of producing over between 40-50 tones of potatoes per hectare if they use good quality seed.
The Kopia director Dr Shim Hongsik say, apart from breeding programs, Kopia Uganda will support training of farmers and extension field officers.
Some farmers who include Evas Bitwenda, William Muyambi, and Julius Tituryebwa commended government of South Korea for the new program saying it would provide seeds that fight late bright and give more yields. The launch was attended by farmers from districts of Kisoro, Kanungu, Rubanda and Kabale.
Source: www.mknewslink.com ; a western Uganda news website
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