Cultivating skills, growing success

Potatoes SA recently collaborated with the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) to conduct a practical potato planting demonstration at Rust de Venter in Limpopo. The initiative forms part of Potatoes SA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening technical capacity, promoting sustainable potato production, and empowering producers through practical, hands-on training.

The demonstration brought together senior agricultural advisors, LDARD extension officers, and the beneficiary producer to strengthen their practical knowledge and technical understanding of potato production. The collaborative training session gave participants an opportunity to learn and apply recommended potato planting practices.

Practical potato production skills

During the demonstration, a Potatoes SA technical specialist shared essential potato production skills. This included land preparation, proper seed potato handling, planting depth and spacing, row establishment, fertiliser placement, and best agronomic practices to achieve optimal crop establishment and higher yields. Participants also discussed the importance of using certified seed potatoes, maintaining soil health, and implementing sound crop management practices throughout the production cycle.

The practical approach enabled agricultural advisors and field workers to strengthen their technical competencies while equipping them with knowledge they can share with potato producers across the province. By building the capacity of extension officers, the programme helps improve advisory services and supports the adoption of climate-smart, sustainable potato production practices by emerging and developing producers.

The successful collaboration between Potatoes SA and the LDARD demonstrates the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing agricultural development. Through knowledge sharing, technical support, and ongoing mentorship, these partnerships help improve productivity, strengthen food security, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural communities.

Potatoes SA remains committed to supporting producer development initiatives that promote innovation, enhance technical skills, and improve the competitiveness of South Africa’s potato industry. Practical demonstrations such as the Rust de Venter planting event continue to play a vital role in ensuring that farmers and extension officers are equipped with the knowledge and confidence needed to produce high-quality potato crops successfully. – Dikgetho Mokoena, Potatoes SA

Send an email to dikgetho@potatoes.co.za for more information.