How new potato variety transform farmers’ lives

NJOMBE: Sia Abraham Kabelege is a young woman from Lunguya Village, in Njombe Region. She completed Form IV and is a farmer of round potatoes of the Sagitta variety from the Netherlands, which is now grown in Tanzania.

The Sagitta variety matures quickly, with potatoes ready for market within 90 days. The seeds can be stored for up to a month after harvesting and are resistant to diseases.

Sagitta potatoes are highly productive compared to natural seeds, with farmers able to harvest up to 200 sacks per acre, compared to 40 sacks with regular seeds. Round potatoes are a staple food for many families.

Sia explains that she was inspired to start growing round potatoes, specifically the Sagitta variety, after joining a small group that received training from a SAGCOT demonstration farm with 25 acres. “After seeing the success of our group’s potato cultivation, I decided to start my own farm, half an acre in size,” Sia says.

In her explanation, she mentions that she purchased up to 450 kilos of seeds and was able to harvest 86 sacks of round potatoes. Following this success, she decided to venture into farming Sagitta potatoes.

“I have accomplished many things through agriculture, such as becoming a landowner. Initially, I did not own any land and was renting from others. However, today I own 8 acres that I purchased myself. I am able to educate my children and have also built a house,” she explains.

Sia reveals that she used to borrow from her group to fund her cultivation. This year, she cultivated 15 acres, borrowing money for 10 acres from the group and paying in cash for the remaining 5 acres.

She attributes her success in farming as a young woman to her dedication and resilience in overcoming

challenges such as pests and diseases that affect round potatoes.

She joined a group that provided her with capital, seeds, fertilizers, and insecticides, enabling her to manage her own farm.

“SAGCOT lifted us from small groups to a cooperative association named Isuelu AMCOS, which offers loans to youth and women. I also received training at the SAGCOT demonstration farm. After SAGCOT’s departure, we continued to learn from Stawisha and later received training from Craft.”

She says the projects have provided training and attracted young people to engage in farming. Today, many young people have succeeded through these projects.

Despite her achievements, Sia mentions various challenges she has encountered. One of them is the lack of capital, as cultivating round potatoes requires more capital than maize. The capital needed for one acre of maize is Sh800,000, while for round potatoes it reaches Sh3,800,000 per acre.

“It is a challenge, but small groups help us address this issue by lending us money. I advise the youth not to give up. Although growing round potatoes requires a lot of money, the harvest can bring in 7m/- to 8m/-.”

Sia also mentions the challenge of seeds, as they only depend on one seed producer. However, she notes that the government has started TARI Uyole, even though its production is limited.

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Another challenge she highlights is climate change, as unpredictable rain makes seed production difficult. She encourages young people to love agriculture, as it will love them back, eliminating the need for employment.

“I urge the government to implement policies that support young people, especially in agriculture, and reduce high interest rates on loans to empower them to engage in farming.

Not all young people need to farm; some can start small packaging industries. With an idea, one can apply for a loan from a bank or within a group, investing in a packaging project instead of fertiliser,” says Sia.

She also mentions the opportunity for young people to transport potatoes from rural areas to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. She notes that other transporters have successfully transported goods to Nairobi this season.