¹P. Aarakit*, ¹A. Ndeve., ²F. Kagoda., ³J. Lelei.

¹Department of crop production, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique. Email: ndevegod@gmail.com

²Bugiyanya Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute, NARO, Uganda. Email: fkagoda@gmail.com

³Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soils, Egerton University, Nakuru, Kenya. Email: joycendemo@gmail.com

*Corresponding authors’ email: paulaaarakit@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), belongs to solanaceae family, is an important vegetable that plays a vital role in poverty alleviation, food security, and global nutrition. Though the soils and climate of Mozambique favour the production of potato, yields are hampered due to the limited availability of good quality seeds. Quality seeds can contribute 15% - 20 % increase in the yields. However, less than 10% of quality seed is produced by both public and private companies, the rest of 90% is almost low-quality seed supplied by various merchants from the neighboring countries and produced by farmers. In a bid to increase agricultural production, the supply of good-quality seed to the farmers should be a top priority issue. The objectives of this review are: identify the existing seed potato systems in Mozambique, identify the challenges, and determine the opportunities for seed potato production in Mozambique. In methodology the study synthesizes published articles, grey literature and national reports by the ministry of agriculture. The results of this review revealed the seed systems practiced in the country such as true potato seed, early generation seed, rooted apical cuttings and mini-tubers. The challenges include under investment in agricultural research, limited extension services, inadequate infrastructure like cold storage facilities, lack of diffused cold stores, limited access to certified seeds, and they are expensive to smallholder farmers, and the prevalence of informal seed systems that are vulnerable to pests and diseases, climate changes, limited technical knowledge to adopt use of new techniques being introduced.  The study explored the opportunities for improving seed quality and availability through innovations in seed multiplication techniques, policy reforms, and capacity building among farmers. In conclusion, the seed potato industry in Mozambique is developing, and embracing the available opportunities increases the chances of Mozambique establishing an independent and sustainable seed industry.

Keywords: Seed potato production, Seed systems, Quality seeds