Monday 20th April. A container ship arrives at the port of Mutsamudu. Among the goods transported is the cargo ordered by the NGO Dahari. The container contains 13.5 tonnes of potatoes. The importation of these quality seeds is part of Dahari's agricultural support activities. Two-thirds of the potatoes will be sold at low cost to farmers in the nine villages within Dahari's area of operation. Each farmer will be able to receive between 50 and 200kg of potatoes, which they plan to plant as soon as possible. The remaining four tonnes will be sold to private individuals.

Potato production is booming in the Comoros. Potatoes cannot be grown at low altitudes, which excludes the islands of Mohéli and Mayotte. However, the island of Anjouan has the necessary altitude conditions for potato cultivation. Indeed, potatoes need light and are susceptible to frost. A temperature of 15 to 25°C favours good development, whereas temperatures that are too high are detrimental to production. Potatoes require a deep, light soil with a slightly acidic pH, which corresponds to the Anjouan soil acidified by clove trees. Potato cultivation is highly appreciated by producers in the high-altitude villages. d’Adda, Outsa and Ouzini. However, these three villages were facing problems with access to seeds from France, as importing structures were not well represented in these areas.

The potatoes imported by Dahari are of the Rosanna variety. This variety originates from Quimper, France. It was previously trialled in Anjouan twice, in 2013 and 2014, with success. To cultivate it, it is essential to master soil preparation techniques, use fertiliser, and properly maintain the plantations with mulching, earthing up, and a good supply of water. The Rosanna culture is adapted to the conditions of Anjouan. and it is an extremely profitable variety. The pilot experiment from May-August 2013 was hailed as a great success, with yields observed being eight times greater than tubers planted per seed.

If the NGO Dahari chose to import potatoes to Anjouan, it was in order to be able to ensure the quality of the produce grown by local farmers. Dahari encourages farmers to grow potatoes, as they are a profitable crop that sells well. Dahari also encourages farmers to adopt two improved practices: off-season production and replanting.

Off-season potato cultivation is very little widespread in the Comoros. Dahari conducted a first off-season production test from the end of September 2013 with his producers. The experiment was conclusive: the producers harvested their potatoes in November and were able to sell them at an attractive price.

Another technical innovation identified by Dahari is the replanting technique. Potato seed potatoes can be replanted up to two times. Consequently, a single import of seed potatoes can enable up to three potato crops to be grown. This technique is practised in many countries, yet it has been very little promoted in the Comoros. The introduction of this practice in Outsa has been a success. Dahari therefore hopes to promote it widely across its area of operation.

In conclusion, this import of thirteen tonnes of seeds will allow Popularise potato cultivation in Anjouan. Through this distribution of quality seeds, Dahari is strengthening its support for the producers of Anjouan and is committed to assisting them in their agricultural development by offering environmentally friendly techniques and improved varieties, with the aim of sustainably increasing their income.