April 24, 2021
Boosting potato production in Eritrea
The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) is working hard to increase potato production using improved and globally standardized potato varieties. In Eritrea, two local varieties of potato, known as karneshm and shashemene, have been cultivated for many years. Over time, productivity of these varieties has declined, while their maturity period was long, ranging from 5 to 6 months. As well, they were susceptible to diseases and pests. According to Ms. Tiberh Gaim, senior seed expert at the Agricultural Extension Department (AED), potatoes are a national strategic crop in Eritrea. However, potato production and productivity have been low due to several factors, including an….
