Abstract:

Potato is a key food and cash crop in Uganda. National production has steadily grown over time through increased cultivated area under potato in response to increasing demand and consumption. Today, approximately 200,000 farmers are growing potato in
Uganda. Traditionally grown in the highlands, potato production has recently expanded to lowland areas. Majority of potato farmers in Uganda are smallholder
farmers, who typically recycle their own seed or obtain their planting material informally from other farmers or in the open market.Yields have remained low 7-10mt per hectare (Ha) per season but there are conflicting data on production from UBOS and FAO STAT as per
production and yield levels. Uganda can increase its annual seed potato and automatically ware potato production and this can be achieved through use of clean seed materials and other associated inputs such as fertilizers, proper post-harvest especially cold storage
facilities that manage dormancy coupled with reduction in rotting caused by high storage temperatures.