THERE has been a surge in demand for potatoes at Mbare Musika largely attributed to increases in bread and mealie-meal prices.

The current prices of bread vary depending with the mode of payment in some shops, but ranges from $7 cash in tuckshops and $9 for all forms of payment in supermarkets and other retail outlets.

A survey carried out by The Herald yesterday showed that many consumers were buying the tuber.

Mr Chrispen Gambusa, a commercial farmer from Nyanga, said demand for their crop was high since it was versatile.

“These days people are choosing potatoes because you can have them for breakfast, lunch and supper. They can either be used as starch or as a relish,” he said.

“As Nyanga potato farmers we have managed to stand up to the competition due to the favourable climate which enables us to produce high quality potatoes,” he said.

Most of the potatoes at Mbare Musika come from Nyanga, Mutasa, Domboshava and Goromonzi.

Meanwhile, a snap survey of prices offered at the market show that potatoes are now selling at $55 per 25kg and $40 to $45 per 15kg while butternuts are now pegged at between $25 and $28 for an 8kg pocket.

Last week, potatoes were selling at $50 per 15kg, while butternuts were pegged at between $20 and $25 for 8kg.

Cabbages were largely unchanged at between $2 to $3 per head, while tomatoes are selling for $25 per box, up from $20 per box last week.

A week ago, onions were going for $52 for a 10kg pocket but have since gone up to between $55 and $60 for the same quantity