Provide inputs, rice and potato farmers urge Govt

Most communal farmers in the high rainfall parts of Manicaland Province have shifted to growing potatoes

CHIMANIMANI farmers who are into rice and potato farming have called on Government to avail inputs to increase production levels in a move that will help the country cut on imports.

Manicaland provincial agronomist Mr Thomas Sakuhuni said due to the difficulties experienced in importing potato seed from South Africa, farmers were growing small portions of potatoes and rice.

“Zimbabwe has a well-established history of potato farming, although production levels have been declining mainly due to rising costs of potato seed which statistics recorded,” he said.

“Despite the high cost of production, some farmers were venturing into potato farming as it has higher returns. Most communal farmers in the high rainfall parts of the district have shifted into growing the cash crop.

“Their area has good climatic conditions and soils capable of producing high yields.”

Mr Sakuhuni said the surge in demand of the potato blend, which is considered cost effective, was a clear indication of the increasing levels of potato farming in the district.

“The increase in demand of potato blends corresponds with the increase in the number of potato farmers,” he said.

Mr Sakuhuni said they were educating farmers on the upkeep of the crop to  enhance their productivity and capacity issues.