The demand for potato seeds in Indonesia reaches 300,000 tons per year. However, the national potato seed production is only able to supply 15% of it. Reliance on non-certified planting material limits yields by 20% and slows the release of new and improved varieties. Farmers in Indonesia usually plant potatoes from the previous planting crop, which are adopted as seeds (FFS). The existing varieties (e.g. Granola) that have been used by farmers for more than 20 years are not disease-resistant. These varieties also have low production potential, especially as the minimum elevation requirement for these crops is more than 1000 meters above sea-level.
Our initiatives in Indonesia have initially focused on facilitating the entry of the private sector in the production market quality potato seeds of new varieties. Encouraging the growth of potatoes would contribute in reversing the decline of smallholder productivity for this important crop. Our mission thus included supporting the production of high-quality potato seeds, technology transfers and providing assistance in the cultivation of these seeds to seed-growers and local companies. Our final aim was to obtain new potato varieties that were more adapted to the conditions of Indonesia compared to existing varieties. These seeds were to also be made accessible to small farmers in Indonesia, through our breeding partners HZPC and IPM.
Accomplishments
Trained small- and medium-seed producers to develop and transfer technology to other seed growers.
Supported the production of certified seed potatoes, allowing a commercial objective of up to 150 tons per year to be reached.
Empowered farmers and SMEs in villages to produce potatoes in the form of raw material to be processed as potato chips.
Collaborated with private seed potato companies to license and release new high-yielding potato varieties with higher productivity than existing ones, whilst remaining accessible to farmers.
