Shot in the arm for potato producers

potatoes.
Currently production of the energy-rich tuber, which is mostly grown in the Manicaland province, is meeting local demand.
In a statement yesterday, Trust Bank invited small-scale farmers to prepare and submit project proposals for consideration.
“We have decided to partner with local potato farmers to make it easier for them to access funds,” it said.
The loan scheme would support farmers with agricultural inputs to put an estimated 300 hectares of potatoes.
A hectare has potential to yield close to 40 tonnes of the crop.
“The loan scheme can only cover 300 hectares out of the 500 hectares we had targeted countrywide,” Trust Bank said.
Commenting on the development, Potato Growers’ Association of Zimbabwe president Mr Jack Chiduku said the support facility would spur production of the crop.
He said members of the association had already started accessing the funds.
“It is a big boost for potato production. The crop is a good substitute to the staple sadza,” he said. He said most banks were keen to assist potato farmers in the country increase production, which was still low to satisfy export markets. – New Ziana.