Farm 3

Farm 2

PROJECT 2: POTATO SEEDS

In 2024, FEDEM brings together 250 potato farmers in the Vakinankaratra region. The potato sector within FEDEM has a pyramidal structure:

– Seed production laboratory

– Multiplier

– Producer

 

Findings

Laboratories have always been a strategic link for the sustainability of the potato sector. Although FoFiFa and other organizations like Fifamanor have the necessary infrastructure for the development and stabilization of basic and pre-base seeds, structural, organizational, and financial support are essential to reinvigorate activities within this link since 80% of this activity is supported by Fifamanor in Antsirabe.

The mission of Fifamanor is to conserve and use the scientific and technical heritage at its disposal to perpetuate the sector.                     Currently, Fifamanor has entrusted the management of its facilities to peasant organizations that try to secure the seeds produced by cloning them but without real research programs and laboratory work, the future of the sector looks bleak.

Recommendations

Why reinvigorate a structure like Fifamanor in Vakinankaratra?

It has ensured research and development, dissemination and popularization of new varieties adapted to the requirements of downstream operators, and production of vitroplants in Tsiafajavona and basic seeds up to F3.The supply of seeds is crucial for the sustainability of the sector. It involves strengthening the production capacities of FIFAMANOR, CEFFEL, PMS, GPS, and other actors in the production of potato seeds.

 

FEDEM must position itself as a strategic partner in the organization of the sectors because the seed producers in Vakinankaratra federate there. These said farmers are sensitive to the research and development of disease-resistant varieties, while maintaining the agronomic requirements existing between the potato-market pair.