NEW COURSE COLLABORATION WITH FARMERS' PRIDE INTERNATIONAL FOCUS: POTATO COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION & PROCESSING

COURSE TITLE:  POTATO FARMING, VALUE-ADDITION, AND PROCESSING

Did you know the weekly demand for fresh potatoes is 20K tonnes? Today we are meeting 5K tonnes as a nation. So, there is plenty of room for everyone!

Hunter takes you through producing the crop both in winter and summer. Including later putting this workshop graduates, on request, through cluster management courses.

3-day potato farming & processing classes starting next Thursday, Sep 12-14, 2024 at MFK-Gardens Farmers' Learning Centre, Mmopane.

Course Description:
This course provides a comprehensive overview of potato farming, including cultivation techniques, pest and disease management, harvesting, storage, and marketing. Additionally, the course covers value addition and processing techniques to increase the economic value of potatoes.

Course Delivery:
Lectures and presentations
Hands-on practical sessions
Field visits to farms and processing units
Group discussions and case studies

Assessment:
Quizzes and assignments
Practical demonstrations
Final project on a value-added potato product

Target Audience:
Aspiring farmers
Agricultural students
Entrepreneurs interested in food processing
Agricultural extension workers

Course Duration:
3 theory days and 3 months practice (12 weeks)

Certification:
Participants will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course
Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Potato Farming
Overview of potato as a crop
Importance of potatoes in agriculture and economy
Types of potatoes and their uses

Module 2: Soil Preparation and Planting
Soil requirements for potato cultivation
Land preparation techniques
Seed selection and planting methods

Module 3: Crop Management
Irrigation practices
Fertilization and nutrient management
Weed control strategies

Module 4: Pest and Disease Management
Common pests affecting potatoes
Disease identification and management
Integrated pest management strategies

Module 5: Harvesting and Storage
Signs of maturity and harvesting techniques
Post-harvest handling and storage methods
Factors affecting storage quality

Module 6: Marketing of Potatoes
Market analysis and demand assessment
Packaging and transportation
Pricing strategies and market access

Module 7: Value Addition Techniques
Introduction to value addition
Processing methods (e.g., chips, fries, flour)
Nutritional enhancement and product diversification

Module 8: Processing of Potatoes
Equipment and technology for processing
Quality control measures
Regulatory requirements for processed products

Module 9: Business Planning and Entrepreneurship
Developing a business plan for potato farming and processing
Financial management and funding options
Case studies of successful potato businesses

Module 10: Sustainability in Potato Farming
Sustainable farming practices
Environmental impact and mitigation strategies
Future trends in potato farming and processing

Module 11: Potato Distribution and Exports
Title: Potato Distribution and Exports
Subtitle: Understanding Global Markets and Supply Chains
Image: [Placeholder for potato distribution image

Workshop Outline: https://www.myfarmhousekitchensbw.com/potato-commercial.html
Contact WhatsApp: 73961421
Farmer's Pride International

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