Determining Potato Production Conditions in Miandarband Region of Kermanshah County Based on IranGAP Standards

The increasing use of fertilizers and pesticides motivated international organizations to introduce GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) standards to ensure food safety. This qualitative study sought to investigate the current production behavior among potato growers based on Iran GAP standards in Miandarband region of Kermanshah County. The result of this study will shed light on current state of potato production which in turn aid policy makers to deploy effective policies in the study region. Qualitative data was collected using in-depth and semi structured interviews as well as observation techniques. Results revealed that among 53 agricultural practices, 9 production behavior was in line with GAP standards. For example, potato growers were cautious about preserving soil structure, using improved irrigation methods, calibrating fertilizer and spray equipment, adhering to pre-harvest interval, observing farm-livestock distance, correct timing of harvest, separation of soil and weed from potato harvest, using new bags for packing, and separating immature and green tubers. Overall, results showed that potato growers are engaged in Bad Agricultural Practices (BAP). The result of this study has implications for Agricultural Jihad Organization in that they can identify bad practices in order to launch appropriate interventions in order to engage potato growers in Good Agricultural Practices which in turn insure food safety.