QUALITY SEED POTATO PRODUCTION INNOVA-

TIONS: THE ROLE OF SMALL SCALE FARMERS

IN BURUNDI BARARYENYA.A.1, NAHAYO.P. Claver2, BISIMWA.M.2, VYIZIGIRO.E.1, INAMAHORO.M.1

1) FORMAL SEED SYSTEM PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES Mintuber production techniques (conventional, new techniques like Aeroponics, sandhydroponics ) Formal seed multiplication with interest to private sector Appropriate Seed certification Good storage investment

2) ON-FARM SAVED SEED IMPROVEMENT TECHNIQUES

CONCLUSION

An inclusive seed system could improve quality production, distribution, use, and profitability for farmers.

Prominent rapid multiplication technologies that are munituber production from invitro plantlets, in vitro based on-farm stem cut-

tings, seedplot technique, positive seed selection and a vibrant on-farm knowledge dissemination scheme can provide needed ca-

pacity to broaden adoption of quality seed production and accelerate small scale income generation.

Better integration of research and extension systems into the value chain, as well as farmer training schemes in seed management

and storage, can highly contribute to the sustainable availability of agricultural inputs such as quality seeds.

1. INSTITUT DES SCIENCES AGRONOMIQUES DU BURUNDI (ISABU),

2. CONFEDERATION DES ASSOCIATIONS DES PRODUCTEURS AGRICOLES POUR LE DEVELOPEMENT (CAPAD)