Improving Vegetable Production and Consumption in Mali (Mali Production) Phase 2 Quarterly Program Performance Report (November 1, 2013 - January 31, 2014)

The project is implemented by AVRDC – The World Vegetable Center in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project focuses on the Sikasso region, where vegetable production is a significant contributor to the local economy. On-station testing and evaluation of improved varieties are ongoing at the Samanko station since October 2013. The objective of this activity is to identify the best lines/varieties for field testing and evaluation in the Sikasso region. Performance evaluations of AVRDC elite vegetable varieties and new introductions have been conducted, focusing on yields, appropriate stage of maturity, and time for harvesting, pungency, and storability. The experimental design adopted was the Randomized Completely Bloc Design (RCBD) with three replications. The density of planting was 20 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants in the row. Seeds for the trials were sown in November and transplanted in December 2013. Data collection on the plants is in progress. In addition to on-station testing, on-farm multiplication of elite AVRDC vegetable varieties is being conducted in the Sikasso region. Seeds of 78 onion lines/varieties, including local purified varieties and introduced out-performed varieties, are being produced for regional and multi-locational trials. At the time of reporting, seed multiplication process for onion was in progress. Seed of 10 tomato lines for fresh season, 16 tomato lines adapted for wet season production, and 13 pepper lines were harvested, dried, packed, and stored at the Samanko station. Demonstration trials were conducted in farmers' fields in the Sikasso region during the 2013 wet season. Demonstration plots comparing 1 or 2 AVRDC improved varieties to the local control were set up in farmers' fields in the hubs and satellite villages. The purpose of these demonstration plots was to afford farmers the opportunity to experience and choose the best varieties for rainy season production. Preliminary results showed that AVRDC improved varieties were early maturing in comparison with local landraces. Statistical analysis carried out showed that AVRDC improved varieties were early maturing in comparison with local landraces. Capacity strengthening of farmers and private companies on vegetable technologies is also a key component of the project. From November 5 to 6, 2013, 12 agents from a Malian private seed company received training from AVRDC in seed production techniques at the Samanko research station. A week later, 13 agents from additional Malian seed companies were also trained in the same techniques by AVRDC. The training aimed at improving the capacity of farmers and private companies in vegetable production, consumption, seed production, and postharvest technologies. As of December 2013, 22 farmers had undergone vegetable seed production training of trainers (TOT) in all of the four sites. The training aimed at improving the ToTs' capacity in nursery techniques, types, disinfection, seedling care, etc., registration process to seed production, and postharvest techniques.