In a bid to tackle the scarcity of table potatoes in the market, the government of Zimbabwe has taken significant steps to boost Irish potato production. The government has allocated 6,750 hectares for Irish potato cultivation as part of its 2024 winter cropping plan, covering 137,000 hectares of irrigable land nationwide.
The move follows concerns over diminishing table potato availability attributed to high production costs. To alleviate this issue, the value-added tax (VAT) on seed potato imports is set to be eliminated in the latter half of the year.
According to the Permanent Secretary of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, the winter cropping plan for 2024 includes the cultivation of various crops on the 137,000 hectares of irrigable land. The breakdown comprises 120,000 hectares for wheat, 7,000 hectares for barley, 3,250 hectares for winter maize/sorghum, and 6,750 hectares specifically designated for Irish potato production. The Horticultural Development Council (HDC) members will play a significant role in leading the Irish potato cultivation efforts.
Chairman of the Zimbabwe Seed Potatoes Companies Associations (ZSPCA), emphasized the need for a substantial amount of seed to support the planned hectareage. He expressed concerns about a potential shortage of seed in the South African market, which could impact the government’s ambitious potato production goals.
While some challenges such as low water levels in dams and the imposition of VAT on potato seed imports persist, efforts are being made to ensure an adequate supply of seeds. The Seed Services Institute is working on a localisation plan for seed potato production to enhance self-sufficiency in the future.
Despite the hurdles, local table potato supplies are gradually improving after experiencing a decline in recent times. Dr. Charles Dhewa, the CEO of Knowledge Transfer Africa (KTA), noted that daily potato trading volumes have increased to around 400 tonnes from a low of 50% of normal levels. This uptick in supply has also led to a decrease in prices, benefitting consumers.
The pricing of potatoes in US dollars reflects the current currency situation in Zimbabwe, where electronic payments in the local currency are not operational. The efforts to boost Irish potato production and stabilize table potato supplies are seen as crucial steps towards addressing the ongoing shortages and ensuring food security in the country.
Potatoes are fast becoming a staple commodity in the country due to change in consumption patterns from being maize-centric with many households options like wheat-based products like macaroni in their everyday life.
