• Medhanie Mehari
• Johnstone Neondo
• Cecilia Mweu
• Tadesse Mehari

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a popular food crop for home consumption and a cash crop for growers in Eritrea. The potato grows quickly, has a high yield, and produces more energy and good-quality protein per unit area compared to a cereal crop per unit time. Potato production in Eritrea is low compared to neighbouring countries in East Africa and the issue is barely addressed sufficiently. This review study collates information on potato production status, cultivation systems, challenges and opportunities in Eritrea so as to assist researchers, academics and authorities in mitigating the issues. The study was conducted through a primary interview with farmers and an analysis of archived data at the Ministry of Agriculture of Eritrea and published resources. The production and cultivated areas are mainly dominant in the Debub and Maekel regions of Eritrea, with altitudes ranging from 1826 to 2490m above sea level. An increase in the production and expansion of farming areas have been observed from 3,619 tonnes in 1993 to 34,063 tonnes in 2022 with farming area rising from 648 to 2,227 hectares, respectively. The observed increase in production could be due to the increasing number of farmers using improved potato varieties. However, the production in the country still faces numerous challenges. The major constraints are the unavailability of enough improved seed, a shortage of fertilizer, and pesticides. The seed potato supply is still very low, amounting to only 14% of the demand. Potato is considered a hunger-busting crop that can contribute to the sustainable food security of the growing population and has a high potential for raising the live hoods of small-scale farmers. Thus, potato intensification is one of the key alternatives to improving the country’s food supply situation and alleviating malnutrition and undernutrition, particularly in rural areas.

Seed Potato, Solanum tuberosum, Agricultural Production, Crop

"POTATO PRODUCTION IN ERITREA: STATUS, CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 9, page no.f186-f199, September-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2409551.pdf

"POTATO PRODUCTION IN ERITREA: STATUS, CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 9, page no. ppf186-f199, September-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2409551.pdf