| Project Detail |
Objectives
Phase I provided adapted and nutritious varieties of sweetpotato, together with improved cultivation techniques, to poor farmers in selected districts of Odisha, helping improve their food security, nutrition and livelihoods. Phase II will be implemented in four additional districts, with the aim of creating two major sweetpotato production zones. Phase II seeks to: a) enhance farmer access to improved sweetpotato varieties and cultivation technologies; b) develop community-based seed systems for self-sufficiency in planting materials; c) establish and strengthen sweetpotato value chains; and d) develop and implement nutrition improvement strategies.
Approach
The project targets traditional sweetpotato areas with a high incidence of poverty, malnutrition and resourceconstrained agriculture, particularly communities highlighted in the Odisha state tribal development program. The project is built around four main components:
Introduction of selected varieties to enhance farmer access to superior planting materials. The varieties that performed well in phase I are being rolled out to additional districts.
Improvement of local seed systems by setting up farmer field nurseries, with farmers learning about rapid multiplication and being expected to ‘pay back’ planting materials in cash or in kind.
Identification of market opportunities and support for business development.
Improvement food-based nutrition knowledge, such as education and promotion through schools and government institutions.
Phase II expected outcomes
Phase II builds on the lessons learned to introduce new varieties and increase the orange-fleshed sweetpotato production area and productivity levels. Progressive farmers will be encouraged to establish multiplication nurseries. Different uses of sweetpotato will be showcased and facilities established to facilitate marketing, with new processing technologies made available to interested entrepreneurs. Public messaging and campaigns in schools will improve awareness of the nutritional benefits and raise the demand among consumers.
Phase II also addresses some earlier issues. For example, it will forge better links between research and extension and adopt a more scientific approach to training farmers, considering their generally low levels of education. New approaches, such as introducing sweetpotato into aquaculture systems, will be explored, as will contract farming opportunities linking growers with existing food processing industries. Partnership activities, involving the Odisha health department for example, will exploit advocacy opportunities to influence policy change in support of sustainable sweetpotato production, income generation and environmental protection. |
