Online Reporter
Sunday Mail Reporter
ZIMBABWE has an ambitious target of harvesting 236 250 tonnes of potatoes in the current production cycle as part of a broader effort to enhance food security and reduce reliance on imports.
The country requires approximately 500 000 tonnes of potatoes for table consumption and other uses annually.
With three distinct planting seasons — summer (rain-fed), first winter (irrigated) and second winter (irrigated) — local farmers can achieve up to three potato production cycles annually.
According to the latest Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services weekly report released on Friday, the country plans to plant 8 750 hectares (ha) of potatoes this season, aiming for an average yield of 27 tonnes (t) per hectare.
As of the latest update, 2 595ha have been established nationwide, which account for 29 percent of the overall target.
Mashonaland West province is leading the national drive with a target of 3 000ha and a projected harvest of 84 000t.
The province has already planted 988ha — 33 percent of its target — and harvested 24 640t to date.
Mashonaland Central is also performing well, with 531ha established and 19 096t harvested.
Fortunes are mixed for other provinces.
Manicaland and Mashonaland Central each aim to plant 2 000ha this season.
In contrast, Masvingo has so far planted only 3ha (6 percent of its target), while Matabeleland North has planted 44ha, achieving 88 percent of its relatively smaller target.
Despite these disparities, the overall national campaign reflects a coordinated push to enhance local potato production.
In an interview, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Professor Obert Jiri emphasised the importance of the initiative to national food security.
“We are committed to empowering our farmers to meet these ambitious targets for potato production,” he said.
“The progress observed indicates a strong foundation and we believe with continued support, we can achieve and even surpass our goals, ensuring a stable supply of potatoes for our markets and consumers.”
