Construction of Diffused Light Storage for Potato Seed

Written by Dita Beshada, Junior Cooperative Advisor Ethiopia

Bitacha and Gurmicho Multipurpose Primary Cooperatives (BMPC and GMPC) are in Kofele district, the West Arsi Zone of the Oromia Region in the Southern part of Ethiopia. These cooperatives are members of Raya Kejewa Union. 

Picture 1: The way to transport the potato seed using a traditional method

In 2022, they received registration certificates as cooperative societies. Currently, BMPC and GMPC have 710 and 679 members respectively. The members primarily produce potatoes, followed by malt barley. Potatoes are a high-potential food security crop and an excellent small-holder crop for the Ethiopian highlands, with a short cropping cycle and potential for high yields, particularly in the Agriterra Acting Now project intervention area in Kofele district.

As a food crop, potatoes have a high potential to supply quality food within a relatively short period, contributing significantly in both nutritional value and food security to the households. They also generate income and employment opportunities for low-income households. In the West Arsi Zone, potatoes cover about 86.7% of the total area dedicated to root crops, with major production in the Kofele and Shashemene districts, where the Agriterra Acting Now Project is implemented.

Seed potato storage practices and methods in project intervention area

Members of both BMPC and GMPC currently store seed potatoes using traditional methods. These storage facilities do not allow for long-term storage, only for an average storage duration of three months before tuber deterioration begins. Leaving seed potatoes unharvested (storage in the field) poses challenges such as untimely rainfall, which accelerates tuber rotting and tuber moth infestations leading to significantly yield loss. All cooperative members store seed potatoes in bulk, which causes physical damage to the tubers, affecting their sprouting capacity and market acceptance. Sacks are the primary packaging materials used for temporary storage and transportation after harvest.

The unavailability of improved storage facilities forces cooperative farmers to sell seed potatoes immediately after harvesting at low prices and buy seed potatoes during the planting season at very high costs. 

Picture 2: The way to store the potato seed using a traditional method

To counter these challenges, the Agriterra Acting Now project has introduced a well-structured technology for potato seed storage, the so-called Diffused Light Storage (DLS) to BMPC and GMPC through co-financing. 

In February 2024, when the Agriterra Acting Now project began working with both cooperatives, it identified challenges in potato production and productivity. Following an assessment, Agriterra Acting Now Project advisors discussed with the cooperatives’ board members the possibility of constructing a potato seed DLS through capital mobilisation. 

Internal capital mobilisation was one of the actions planned for 2024. In April, Agriterra Acting Now project officers conducted an internal capitalisation training in Kofele district for both cooperatives. Cooperative board members and members purchased additional shares. 

Within two months, the required capital was mobilised. And within three months, both cooperatives established two potato seed DLS facilities with technical and co-financing support through the Agriterra Acting Now project. Now, they are ready to address the existing challenges in the area.

Picture 3: During potato seed daily light storage demarcation for construction

Picture 4: Bitacha PC - potato seed daily light storage 

Mr. Kaso Sado, Chairperson of Bitacha Multipurpose Primary Cooperative: ’’We extend our gratitude to the Agriterra Acting Now project for the invaluable knowledge and support. Through our collaborative efforts, we have achieved remarkable progress in a short time.’’

Picture 5: Gurmicho PC – potato seed daily light storage

Mr. Geribo Bedaso, Chairperson of Gurmicho Multipurpose Primary Cooperative: ’’Thank you Agriterra Acting Now for ensuring professional alignment in all our efforts.’’

The results

• Created many job opportunities during potato seed storage construction   
• Increase of cooperatives members’ commitment
• New members joining the cooperatives 
• Additional shares sold to the cooperative’s members 
• Enhanced sense of ownership among members 
• Increased trust between board members and members of the cooperatives