The ManicaPost
Wimbainashe Zhakata Post Correspondent
POTATO production in Manicaland has declined by 38 percent owing to dwindling water bodies following this season’s drought.
Manicaland produces an average of 813 000 tonnes of potatoes every season of which 90 percent of potatoes in the province are grown in Nyanga district due to its favourable cool climate.
Agritex extension officer Mr Douglas Nzarayebani said:
“During the 2017-18 agricultural season, we had an average of 1 450 hectares under a cumulative figure. In the 2018 -19 agricultural season the figure declined to 900 hectares which is about 38 percent,” said Mr Nzarayebani.
He added that inputs were also now expensive which has led some farmers giving up as well as producing less.
“If there is no water, there is no production but we advise potato farmers to engage in soil moisture conservation methods. These include spreading compost or animal manure, reducing tillage, green manuring and practicing good crop rotations. I also urge farmers to practice good land preparation,” said Mr Nzarayebani.
In a recent interview with Post Business Nyanga District agriculture extension officer Mr Shadreck Chingombe said potato farmers needed to be educated on the best approach to potato farming for higher yields adding that farmers needed to go through three stages in potato production.
“Farmers have to go through proper practices when growing their crop in order to maximise yields. These stages include soil sampling, routine framing of diseases and buying potato seed from reputable farmers,” said Mr Chingombe.
