The State of Eritrea

Ministry of Agriculture Newsletter

A Monthly Newsletter prepared by the Public Relations Division, Issue No 52, October, 2022

National Potato Conference
An Event that is expected to pave the way for Eritrea to bea regional seed potato producer
The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) hosted a
National Potato Conference (NPC) in which seniorresearchers, experts and scientists from Eritrea andother countries presented a total 18 papers. The
NPC which was convened at Asmara Palace from 2122, September 2022, was the first of its kind for thecountry and, shed light for a more concerted effort
among regional and international organizations toboost potato production in Eritrea.

ASARECA senior officials, IPM representative, VITA
CEO, senior CIP representative, and a number ofministry and zoba experts.
Day 1 Sessions
Mr. Tsegay Berhane, Director General of the National
Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), in his opening
speech, commended all participants from insideand outside the country for making time to attend
the conference, and highlighted the importanceof such a conference in reinforcing the integrationof national, regional and international efforts toimprove potato production.

The NPC which was organized under the theme‘One vision and harmonized work for a sustainable
seed potato supply’ was attended by the Ministerof Agriculture H.E Arefaine Berhe; FAO country
representative, MoA and Zobas high level officials,

1Then after, Mr. Yoel Yonas, representing the planningand statistics division of the Ministry, presented
an overview on the general agricultural policy andstrategy of Eritrea. Following, Mr. Medhanie Mehari,Head of Horticultural Research at NARI and technicalcoordinator of the conference presented a paper
entitled; ‘Potato importance, status and varieties in
Eritrea.’ Other papers on ‘Important Diseases andInsect Pests of Potato in Eritrea’ as well as ‘Minituber Seed Potato Production in Eritrea throughTissue Culture’ were also presented by Mr. Michael
Yakob and Mr. Mussie Fekadu respectively.

The presenters also expressed that so far, morethan 70 varieties of potato have been imported
for adaptability trials, and NARI has tested andrecommended 13 high performing potato varieties
at different times. The varieties include Cosmos,
Picasso, Zafira, Condor, Ajiba, Spunta, Temet, Banba,
Burren and Electra. Currently, it is Electra - theTeagasc bred Irish Potato Marketing Group (IPM)
variety which is the dominant potato variety, thepresentations stated.
Moreover, the papers outlined that the average yieldunder farmers’ conditions is 16 tonnes per hectare,and is still considered as low when compared to theglobal average which is 23.9 tonnes per hectare.

According to these three presentations, potato
is a very nutritious, climate smart and rewarding
agricultural commodity, and is globally ranked 3rd interms of its production and consumption. It was also
noted that potato has joined the top five agricultural
products in Eritrea in the year 2021 by yielding on
average 16 tonnes per hectare.

Prevalence of viral diseases are reported to be themajor causes of yield losses. To overcome these
problems, production of virus-free seed potato
through tissue culture started at the National
Agricultural Research Institute in collaboration witha number of development partners; one of thepresentations elaborated.

Moreover, the papers stated that there are morethan 7,000 small and medium scale horticultural
crop farmers, and about 4000 vegetable farmers in
the main potato growing areas.

Thermotherapy in Potato virus Elimination in
Tissue culture by Prof. Tadesse Mehari; CIP Strategy
in Developing and Promoting Seed potato with
National Partners and Experiences by Dr. Monica
Parker; Seed potatoes: The impact and challenges
for small scale farmers in Kenya and East Africa
by Mr. Derek Roulston from IPM were the papers
presented during the morning session.

One of the presentation stated that the history ofpotato in Eritrea goes back to the Italian period(1891-1941) and later, different varieties wereintroduced from Europe and Ethiopia. The oldfarmer’s cultivars include Sheshemene, Tsaeda
Embaba and Keih Embaba. Even though, throughtime, the farmer’s cultivars were replaced by thelately introduced European varieties, they have stillhigh genetic diversity, the presentation outlined.

Papers entitled ‘Farmer Based Potato seed
Multiplication in the Screen house to Improve
Early Generation Seed Access in Gamo Zone, South2

Ethiopia’ by Tadele Girma from Vita-Ethiopia, and‘Impacts of Potato Seed project (2015-2021)’ by
Tesfay Zekarias from Eritrea-Ireland Development
Partnership (EIDP) highlighted success stories ofpotato production in the respective countries.

regards to Strategic Interventions to support theDevelopment of Seed potato systems in Eritrea.
Finally, a Five-year Potato Seed Country Strategy
was presented by Mr. Medhanie Mehari. This
presentation outlined nine important strategicpillars to sustain seed potato production in the
country in a harmonized and sustainable way.

Potato seed, production, distribution and marketingin Eritrea by Ms. Genet Gebrezgabhier, Practices
and Experiences on Potato Seed Certification in
Eritrea by Mr. Said Nuredin; The Response of Potato
Tuber Yield to the Application of Fertilizers: Case
Studies in Eritrea by Mr. Dermas Sultan from NARI;
Deficit Irrigation for Maximum Water-use Efficiency– Review by Dr. Araya Zeray were also the papers
presented before the end of the first day session.

It is also to be noted that two video presentations
and a number of posters that show Eritrea’s
experience and farmers’ success stories were
presented during the two-day conference. In
addition, three model farmers representing theseed potato project beneficiaries presented theirexperience and the benefits they gained from the
MoA and its development partners. All the farmers
witnessed that the seed potato they got from the
Ministry were disease free; resistant to pests andmore importantly highly productive that turned a
new page in their livelihood.

Participants thoroughly discussed the papers
and enriched them with valuable comments andsuggestions.

During the conference, exemplary Zoba, Sub-zobas
and farmers were awarded for their outstanding
contribution in the country’s potato production.
Towards the end of the two-day conference, Keynote
speeches were delivered by Mr. Iyassu Gebretatios,
EIDP country director, Dr. Denis Griffin - Teagasc
Representative and also by Mr. John Weakliam-Vita
CEO. All these speakers commended the Ministry’s
endeavors and called on for more collaborative
work to boost the country’s potato production andreach at the global average and/or beyond in a shortperiod of time.

Day 2 Sessions
During the day-two morning session, papers on Irish
Potato Coalition in Ethiopia by Mr. Mesfin Kebede
from Vita-Ethiopia; Potentials of potato productionin the lowlands of Eritrea: A case study by Mr.
Ermias Asmelash; Hamelmalo Agricultural College
potentials to Contribute in Seed Potato value chain by
Dr. Brhan Kiar – HAC were presented consecutively.
Following, Mr. Fitsumbrhan Gebremeskel, a Ph-D
candidate NARI Staff from University College of
Dublin virtually (by a video) presented a paper with3

by CIP for that kind of climate. Our expectation from ourlong-time partners is to increase the scope and depth of ourcooperation. From CIP, we expect to get focused training,technical assistance and especially planting materials withvery high quality, short duration for both the highland andlowland. I am glad that Dr. Monica raised the issue of sweet
potatoes as well. That is a priority crop for us as we areseriously working to tackle the incidence of any malnutritionin children under 5 years of age. For this, we need highquality and nutritious planting material with short cycle
production.
Mr. Chairman,
Ladies and Gentlemen,Considering our modest experience and the cooperation we
get from our long-term and new partners, our first priority is
to articulate the next five-year strategic plan in the areas ofresearch, extension, regulation and capacity building.
Production in quantity and quality will take a center stage.
However, value addition will also be given its due attention.
For this to happen production of healthy quality seedpotatoes is the bottom line and we will endeavor to reachthis height, hopefully, in the next five-year cycle. To thiseffect, we take good note of the strong recommendation
made regarding importation of seed potatoes. We will focus,
as much as possible, on producing clean and safe seeds
through our tissue culture technology to avoid unnecessary
contamination.

Finally, His Excellency Mr. Arefaine Berhe, the Minister ofAgriculture made the following concluding remark.
Mr. Chairman
Distinguished Participants from
CIP, Teagasc, Vita, ASARECA
Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania;
Senior Government Officials;
FAO Resident Representative;
Deans of Hamelmalo and Science Colleges;
Invited guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
It really gives me great pleasure to warmly welcome you
all to Asmara and especially to those coming from outside
Eritrea to this maiden National Potato Conference. In thepresentations of yesterday and the morning of today, we havecovered a large territory on Eritrea’s experience in potato
trials, production, distribution, regulation and marketing.
More significantly, we have had presentation from thepotato god-father or mother - the CIP, our long-time close
partners in potato promotion and development Teagasc andVita, from our regional research umbrella ASARECA and our
regional would-be partners Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania.

Dear participants, as you saw in some of our posters, weare giving utmost emphasis to the production, refinement,
regulation and wide distribution of solid and liquid biofertilizers and bio-pesticides in order to attain our final goal of
ensuring safe and nutritious food security. I am sure we can
all appreciate that we cannot have sustainable development
without caring for the environment.
In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge the tireless andeffective work of the Ministry staff at the headquarters andzobas and especially the farmers who are the engine ofdevelopment.

Mr. Chairman,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would also like to take this opportunity to extend myprofound gratitude to our long-time development partners
Teagasc and Vita, our regional research network coordinator
ASARECA, The International Potato Center (CIP) and our
regional partners Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. Your
participation and constructive contribution is highly
appreciated.

As Eritrea is only on the first step of the ladder in terms ofpotato production and even more so on productivity yourcombined assistance is absolutely crucial for us. As we allknow and appreciate, potato is the third most consumed
crop globally because of its economic and nutritional value.
In Eritrea it is number five. Our final destination is, therefore,
to produce potatoes in abundance throughout the country
and throughout the year to make it accessible to every
Eritrean at an affordable price at all times.
To do this, we have to make trials on different varieties that
can thrive in the highlands and lowlands. We have barely
started production of table potatoes in the lowlands lastyear with very encouraging results. However, we need to
do more and especially with varieties that are developed

However, I cannot end my concluding remarks without
acknowledging the fundamental contribution of a greatfriend and a devoted professional Dr. John Burkes whoturned the chapter of potato production in Eritrea.
Finally, please allow me to commend the organizers of theconference for a job extremely well done.
Thank you for your attention!

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After the conclusion of the conference and the field trips, the Public Relations Division conductedinterviews with some participants who represented regional and international organizations. The
summary of their comments and suggestions about the conference are as follows;

John Weakliam, VITA CEOMy Name is John Weakliam. I am VITA CEO. I know
Eritrea very well because I lived here from 1994 to2007 working with Eritrea-Ireland Development
Partnership (EIDP).
The Eritrea-Ireland Development Partnership
involved the MoA, Vita and Teagasc (Irish State
Agriculture Research Extension and Training
Organization) in the Potato Development Program,and particularly in the seed potato in introducing
new varieties like the Electra. We also work
together in a number of capacity development
programs both for agricultural experts andfarmers.
When it comes to potato production, Eritrea has
made exemplary progress in the last 7 years withvery limited resources thanks to the efforts of thebrilliant young staff in the Ministry of Agriculture,
Zoba experts and farmers. What we saw thisweek was full collaboration, professionalism andbrilliant presentations. This demonstrate that
Eritrea has done more with very limited resources
than any country I know in East Africa.

of storage facilities, training of farmers andinternational collaboration.
Eritrea is growing rapidly to get away fromdependency on imported seed. I think in 5 or
10 years, Eritrea may be a big surprise and a big
support for the whole of East Africa where there
are 4 million potato farmers.
The conference was organized so that all thedifferent actors come together and share theirexperience, develop more collaboration andnetworking. Finally, on behalf of all the people
who came from overseas, I think we all had awonderful time, we, very much appreciate what
we saw, and we are ready to work with the
Ministry in anyways.

Eritrean Ministry of Agriculture has developed afantastic strategy, a road map for the next 5 years,
and with capable people with in the Ministry &in the Hamelmalo Agricultural College. The Roadmap has got 9 work packages that show how
Eritrea can become fully self-sufficient in Seed
Potato. Its road map involves technical assistance,
introduction of new varieties, construction

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Enock Warinda, ASARECA Executive Director
My name is Enock Warinda, Executive Director of the
Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in
Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA). Eritrea was one of
the 14 founding members of the association in 1994. Since
then, we have been engaged in a number of collaborative
projects in natural resources, water productivity and in
Seed development like pearl millet and sorghum.

From the conference presentations, we can understandthat the Ministry has a lot of intelligent and committed
youth, including females. All these tell that Eritrea has got
a secure platform of sustainability and bright future in the
potato sub sector. Generally, I am very much impressed byeverything I saw in the country.

When we got invitation for this potato conference, wewere very excited. Hence, the chairman and I decided tocome. Subsequently, we have gained a lot of lessons fromthe conference; and as an organization we will use Eritrea’s
experience in other countries like Ethiopia, Sudan, South
Sudan, Rwanda and Burundi. We have also identified thecountry’s advantages and gaps in capacity building. Since
we have member countries which have the same Agroecology with Eritrea, we have identified a lot of cooperation
areas.

Dr. Monica Parker, Senior scientist, International Potato Center (CIP)
the Eritrean government in general and the Ministryof Agriculture in particular are carrying out incredible
works. A lot has been done with a very little resource.
Potato is an important crop that can feed many people;
and the government is doing its best to alleviate the
obstacles in potato production that are preventing tomeet the real potential. I visited some fields and thelaboratory; they are really fantastic. I also saw Adizarna potato seed store; it is a good progress.
From this conference, we have also identified in whicharea we can collaborate with the ministry. Now, I havefull picture of the country’s potato sub-sector.
Most importantly, I got a chance to meet some
farmers; and learned that Eritrea’s average yield is
13-16 tonnes per hectare; and this is really promisingbecause in most African countries the average is 8-12
tonnes per hectare. For Eritrean farmers to reach theglobal average, they need access to disease-free clean
seed. Hence, I suggest proper and sustainable seedpotato production, quality assurance and selectionof good varieties to accelerate potato production in
Eritrea.
Within these few days, I was really impressed by thecapacity who are leading the country’s agriculture
sector, the researchers and technical personnel
towards safe and nutritious food.

I am Dr. Monica Parker, a senior scientist at theInternational Potato Center (CIP) - Africa Potato Program
leader based in Nairobi, Kenya. Our organization has
been doing a number of commendable works withNARI to develop the potato sub-sector in terms of
capacity development, introduction of new varieties,
seed system development and other technical matters.
This is my first time to visit Eritrea and I have got
opportunities to explore a number of areas in which
we can work together.
What we have learned from this conference is that6

Derek Roulston, Irish Potato Marketing Group (IPM)
My name is Derek Roulston. I came from Ireland, and I am
here on behalf of the Irish potato coalition which is a platform
setup to share information from a number of countries.
Currently, we are working with Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya,
Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique. In addition, I
also represent IPM group which is a company based in Dublin.
IPM potato group is licensed for Electra and Baren and bothhave been successful in Eritrea.
When I evaluate the country’s endeavors, here there is a hugeroom to expand potato production in to other areas throughyour lowland experimental program. Moreover, there is ahuge potential to increase the yield not just to 24 tonnes
per hectare but much higher. I can see 30 to 40 tonnes per
hectare is achievable here.
In addition, Eritrea is free from a number of potato diseases
and pests that are challenging many countries. So, it has toprotect its land from being infected by illegal importation ofseeds. For that matter, your bio-security needs to be strong;
farmers should be aware about what is happening in othercountries due to imported diseases and pests.
I also think that Eritrea has the ability to become seedproducer not just for its own farmers but can also be a regional
seed producer. Since there is high demand for seed in yourneighboring countries, you can really capitalize by focusing inseed, and there are many ways in which you can accelerate
it. I think you have all the ingredients here and it is just about
scaling them up and going to the next level, and I am surethat it will happen very quickly. I am excited to be here at thisstage and, look forward to seeing what will happen in the next
four to five years.
Finally, I want to mention that we are now living in a global
village. We look forward to invite you to Ireland to see thebreeding program and understand how Irish agriculture has
evolved over the years. Those linkages are very important
as we go forward. How we tackle food security not just as
individual nations but globally is very important. We have somuch to learn from each other and, creating and encouraging
linkages and visits are some of the ways which we can learn
from each other.

Tadele Girma, Senior Potato Agronomist Vita - Ethiopia
is good to supply quality seed to the farmers. This helps, atleast, to reduce disease and pest movement from one area
to another.
My suggestion for Eritrea in the potato sub-sector is tostrengthen and diversify the tissue culture laboratories. Thereis only one tissue culture laboratory in the country, and seedmultiplication is basically under the burden of the Ministry ofAgriculture. It is better to decentralise such kind of activities
in order for farmers to access more seed opportunities. If you
have different tissue culture sites, it would reduce the burdenthat one research center is holding.
I am Tadele Girma from Ethiopia. I am very surprised withthe potential that the Eritrean people have and the way they
follow to improve seed access. Eritrea is also introducing
potato in the lowlands which is a very exemplary initiative.
The country’s average yield - 16 tonnes/ha - is very promising;and this can help Eritrea and Ethiopia to develop together.
They can work to gether in seed inspection system which

My other suggestion is that if you would look for lowland
potato varieties that can yield up to 30 tonnes per hectare.
And since shortage of water is one of the challenges, youneed to focus on efficient water harvesting technologies andconservation agriculture.
Finally, I recommend the relationships of the Ministries ofAgriculture in both countries to be strengthened, and expert
to expert experience sharing improved.

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Editor-In-Chief: Ermias Solomon, Director of Public Relations Division: Email:- ersohab@gmail.com, Tel: 182225/ 07143877
Editorial Board: Filmawit Measho, Shushan Okbay, Andemeskel Berhe, Sophia Fekadu
Photo Credit: Aradom Bereket, Habteab Andemariam, Abraham Berhane

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