By Machaka Maphari
Various potato cultivars were harvested ahead of the event.
The collaboration among Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) and Potato South Africa (Potato SA), through Revitilisation of the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Value Chain (RAAVC) initiative, starts to yield the positive results.
One of the beneficiaries from the collaboration effort is a potato grower, Andries Masoga, whose farm was under the potato trial lately to determine the suitability of the yield, produced tons of potatoes from various cultivars such as Mondial, Valor and Safris for harvest. The harvest, which had demonstrated the true reflections of the RAAVC implementation plan, was officiated at Avon, Senwabarwana in Blouberg Municipality, Capricorn District on 08 December 2023.
Potato is one of the staple foods in households. It can be consumed as salad, alongside meal or even replace meal as mash.
The initial plan was to bring together historically disadvantaged potato growers from around Blouberg Municipality in Capricorn District, which is mainly regarded as the potato belt area, who presently produce a combined total of 500 hectares (ha) of potato production.
The harvest due to RAAVC implementation plan, had not only showcased the milestones among DALRRD, LDARD and Potato SA, but strengthened its partnership. The plan was further aimed at mobilising various role players with the purpose of adding value to the farmer’s enterprises and provide alternative streams of project-related support. This was in addition to attracting funding from public and private stakeholders, commodity organisations, financial institutions, market access, access to production facilities, training and research opportunities and commercial potato farmers.
Jethro Nowata, Acting Head of Department, addresses participants during potato harvest information day.
The initiative has a potential to uplift the rural economy and fast-track commercialization of black-owned farming enterprises. The success of this initiative will also play a key role in addressing issues of poverty and food insecurity and creating the necessary jobs / employment for the previously disadvantaged.
Since its inception in 2021/22, the collaborative effort brought in a comprehensive technology transfer and enterprise development support to farmers in support of the RAAVC commodity focus approach. Due to this partnership, over 35 enterprises were empowered through government and private financial support towards production inputs, technical support, mentorship and transferred potato production skills through structured training and exposure to the potato industry role players.
Chairperson of Economic Development and Planning Cllr Daniel Mosena from Blouberg Local Municipality said that was one of a classic example of development model, that need various stakeholders to work together.
The event was celebrated under the theme, “Centralising Potato Commodity Developments – Sustainable Partnerships aimed at Developing Rural Economies”.
Potatoes can be consumed as salad, alongside meal or even replace meal as mash.
Demonstration of potato harvest at Andries Masoga’s farm.
Potato farmers and industry players showed up at potato harvest information day.
Tshaneo Mathidi from Mamusha Boedery (PTY) LTD, a successful potato farmer in Vivo speaks to fellow potato farmers.
