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TCPF: Support to Improve Sustainable Potato Production and Management - TCP/TAJ/3804/C3

Year of publication 2023

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 8

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Project

Synopsis (short abstract) Potato has been grown in Tajikistan since the beginning of the twentieth century, and it is the second most important staple food crop in the country. Production seasons include early potato planting in late November, December or early February in valleys and which are harvested in late May-early June, as well as some second crop planting after winter cereals are harvested (sprouted tubers are planted in June-July and harvested in October-November). Earlier reports on the local seed potato value chain highlighted key issues related to potato production in Tajikistan, including poor seed quality, weak advisory and extension support services on potato production and management technologies, pests and disease management, lack of mechanized harvesting resources, limited knowledge and skills of farmers and limited technical information available and training for farmers. Increasing problems with pests and disease have been estimated as damaging 30 to 50 percent of potato crops, causing significant on-farm losses. Potato beetles alone cause widespread damage, with losses ranging up to 44 percent of crops in Tajikistan.

Language English

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