Effect of improved seed system on potato yields in Uganda

Abstract

Potato seed quality is an important determinant of crop performance, final yield and quality. The quality of seed used by farmers depend on the existing seed system. In Uganda, since the formal sector has limited capacity to produce and deliver certified potato seed, the informal sector prevails providing over 93% of potato seed used by farmers. The informal sector is not regulated thus informal seed that is often used by farmers is usually of poor quality which has stagnated national yields at 7.5 t ha-1. This review looks at the general potato seed system in Uganda with an emphasis on potato seed quality while giving recommendations on how this problem can be alleviated. This is a narrative review organized under sub-topics to give the reader a comprehensive overview and easier tracking of the afore mentioned reviewed topic. In summary, this review revealed that although intervention have been used to improve quality and quantity of potato seed, a big gap still exists thus more interventions are needed both in the formal and informal sector. In addition, it revealed that if the quality of potato seed used by farmers can be improved either by making certified seed more available and affordable or improving the quality of seed obtained from the informal sector, it would be possible to increase potato yields in Uganda substantially.