Potato project aims to supply 500 bags of seed

By MICHAEL LAI
Kepelam seed potato multiplication project in Wabag has a target to supply bags of seedlings to 500 local farmers, says project supervisor Aimos Joseph.
He said the aim was to support local people with suitable land to farm potatoes on small to large scale and sell them for an income.
“It is to create wealth, enhance food security and alleviate poverty in the area,” Joseph said.
The project was initiated by Enga provincial government last year and looks after 40 farmers with supply of seeds and fertilisers.
Joseph said 60 bags of seed potatoes were planted on two hectares of land.
“Hundreds of bags were harvested on one of the hectares and were given to 40 farmers who planted in their own plot of land,” Joseph said.
“The next harvest will look into another 60 farmers to add the total to 100 farmers from the 500 on target.
“They are looking to sell at Sirunki Agro Industries Ltd which is currently buying potato there at K1.80 per kg.”
The next biggest market will be the Pangia potato processing factory in the Ialibu, Southern Highlands, which is under construction.
They are planning to supply 50,000 tonnes of potato there.
Joseph said the people were poor but they had fertile land and skills for potato farming.
“Provincial government supports them through this seedling distribution project so that they can earn an income,” he said.