About 500 tons of elite seed potatoes will be distributed free of charge to farmers in Uzbekistan

Published Apr 22, 2023

Tridge summary

Uzbekistan is grappling with a potato shortage, with a demand of nearly 4 million tons, as only 80% is met through local production and the rest through imports. The country faces challenges in increasing production due to low yields and a lack of quality seed potatoes. In an effort to boost potato cultivation, the government is introducing elite seed potatoes and working on breeding national high-yielding varieties. Challenges include limited access to quality seeds, insufficient sown land and greenhouses, and a lack of laboratories for disease testing. Plans include establishing a potato seed center, creating greenhouses and refrigerated warehouses, and using the in vitro method for seed growth, supported by the World Bank. By 2025, the government aims to satisfy domestic demand for seed potatoes through these initiatives.

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Original content

Today, the need for potatoes in Uzbekistan is almost 4 million tons. More than 80% of this volume is provided for domestic production, the rest - through imports. Production growth is constrained by low yields and a lack of quality seed potatoes. The authorities of Uzbekistan are taking a number of measures to develop potato growing, including providing elite seed potatoes and creating conditions for breeding national high-yielding varieties. High imports are caused by a number of problems in the sphere. So, today potatoes are grown on 253 thousand hectares, and the average yield is 163 c/ha. This is a very low figure compared to other countries, writes Nuz.uz. Another problem is related to the use of seed potatoes. Due to limited access to elite seeds and R1 seeds, the population and farmers have to plant low-quality seed potatoes. There is a lack of sown land and greenhouses for growing high-yielding seed potatoes, as well as warehouses for its storage. There are no laboratories ...

Source: Eastfruit