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As part of its endeavours to facilitate transformation in the potato industry, Potatoes SA identified a gap in the support of smallholder farmers who have access to land and are willing to expand food production in rural areas. This initiative focusses primarily on enhancing food security while equipping farmers with advanced potato production knowledge, improving production systems, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.
The project also seeks to disseminate information regarding cost-effective production techniques and business knowledge through demonstration trials, and by fostering job creation and entrepreneurship in rural communities.
The programme structure
The demonstration that is part and parcel of the project typically ranges in size from 0.2 to 0.5 ha. In order to maximise impact, Potatoes SA has partnered with the Department of Agriculture in each region, ensuring strategic project selection to reach as many smallholder farmers as possible.
The role of local extension officers from the relevant departments is to assist Potatoes SA in identifying suitable projects that can host demonstration trials for potato production. These projects must be viable, accessible, and beneficial to the majority of smallholder farmers, ensuring maximum impact and knowledge transfer within the community. Moreover, the local extension officer works hand in hand with Potatoes SA throughout the entire trial, providing ongoing support and guidance.
As part of the initiative, small grower projects require a host farmer who will provide a farm as a demonstration site. The host farmer is responsible for inviting surrounding smallholder farmers to participate throughout the entire potato production process – from planting to harvesting. Regular visits and continuous support are provided to ensure effective project management.
Key components of the project
- Soil preparation: Farmers must prepare the soil by removing stones, breaking large clumps, and raking fine soil. Potatoes should be planted in deep, well-drained soils with a light to medium texture.
- Selecting a suitable cultivar: Cultivar selection is dependent on climatic requirements, adaptability, quality (shape, skin colour), and intended end use. Production regions have variable preferences based on adaptability and market suitability.
- Fertilisation techniques: Farmers are trained in respect of proper fertilisation application techniques and a demonstration takes place in order to share these skills with the participants.
- Appropriate herbicide application: Training is provided regarding the correct application of pre-emergence herbicides for grass and broadleaf weed control immediately after planting. Irrigation methods: Farmers are taught proper irrigation techniques to ensure optimal growth of the potato crop.
- Pest and disease management: A comprehensive spraying programme is provided to help farmers apply the correct pest and disease control measures.
- Training in use of spraying equipment: Smallholders are trained in the proper use of spraying equipment to ensure safe and effective application.
- Harvesting and marketing: Farmers receive guidance on best practices for harvesting and marketing their produce effectively.
The KwaMhlanga trial
Recently, the Potatoes SA small grower project supported a developing farmer in KwaMhlanga, located in the Nkangala District Municipality of Mpumalanga. This support was extended to the Makuwa Farming Cooperative, managed by Emmanuel Makuwa.
Makuwa produces spinach, soya beans, and tobacco on 261 ha. His interest in potato farming was sparked by his uncle, who owns a fruit shop and sells a large volume of potatoes.
Noticing the high demand, Makuwa’s uncle encouraged him to consider adding potatoes to his crop portfolio.
Through the small grower project, Makuwa became a host farmer for a potato demonstration trial. The trial was facilitated by Potatoes SA specialist, Brian Makhele. Local smallholder farmers and community members were invited to participate, gaining valuable hands-on experience and skills. The details of the demonstration trial are indicated in Table 1.
Moving forward
Makuwa said he was thrilled and empowered by the programme.
He now possesses the tools and knowledge to plant potatoes properly. “I would recommend that Potatoes SA takes this programme to other farmers so that they can also learn what we have learned. This a great programme with the potential to influence small-scale farmers to become commercial farmers.”
Expanding the programme to reach more communities and aspiring producers is crucial for creating a sustainable and inclusive potato farming industry in South Africa. – Lebo Tlomatsana, Potatoes SA
For more information, contact Rendani Murovhi at rendani@potatoes.co.za or the author at lebo@potatoes.co.za.