Growing together: Integrating farmers into value chains with sustainable finance

Growing together: Integrating farmers into value chains with sustainable finance
HomeNewsFarmer Capacity Building: Seed Potato Cultivation Training in Chong-Alay

Farmer Capacity Building: Seed Potato Cultivation Training in Chong-Alay

On April 21, 2025, a training session on the agronomy of seed potato cultivation was conducted. The training focused on the Value Chain Agro Finance scheme related to seed potatoes.

The training was held by the project experts under the partnership with the TES Centre consulting company.

The session was held following a pre-developed plan and program. Participants received detailed information about super-elite seed potatoes, their characteristics, and cultivation requirements, as well as about seed potato material in general. The training covered various types of seed production in Kyrgyzstan, with special emphasis on reproductive seed production.

A key innovation introduced during this training was the initiation of elite seed production within the project framework, involving the cultivation of super-super-elite and super-elite seed potatoes. The trainer presented the project’s goals, objectives, and expected outcomes. Participants responded positively to the information shared.

Special attention was given to crop rotation, as it is a crucial factor in improving seed quality, maintaining and enhancing soil fertility, and facilitating pest and disease control on seed fields. Calculations for the required area to multiply super-super-elite seeds on a 1-hectare plot for producing second reproduction with crop rotation on 72 hectares were developed. The final area requirement sparked discussion among participants. Despite relatively large land shares in the Chong-Alay district, the cooperative faces the challenge of ensuring sufficient land for crop rotation.

The training also reviewed last year’s recommendations from Dutch experts, which included:

  • Pre-sprouting seeds before planting

  • Reducing planting depth

  • Using drip irrigation systems

  • Applying phosphite to protect against diseases

  • Soil disinfection

Based on these recommendations, demonstration trials were planned to test the following technologies:

  • Use of diammonium phosphate fertilizer

  • Reducing planting depth

  • Foliar feeding

  • Use of new herbicides

 

Results:

  • Participants gained valuable knowledge about the project and seed potato cultivation techniques, which they can apply in their own practices.

  • It was decided to conduct experiments testing the recommended technologies from Dutch experts.

  • A fertilizer application system was developed.

  • A technological map for growing super-super-elite seeds was created.

  • Farmers received answers to common challenges faced during seed potato cultivation.

  • Plans were made to conduct soil laboratory analysis.

This training was conducted as part of the project “Value Chain Agro Finance.”