“While farming generates extra income and sustains livelihoods in most rural communities, it is important to note that not only does it require dedication and hard work but also dedicated individuals who are able to make informed choices when deciding which crops to produce and when to produce them,” Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) Crop Production Deputy Director, Mukhontho Luther said whilst addressing the farmers during Potato Information Day at Ha Gumbu village.
According to Mukhontho, potatoes are produced during winter and summer months. “However, in Limpopo, they are produced during winter months mainly because summer is too hot and may not be conducive since potatoes need warm climate without any frost,” he mentioned.
He also used the platform to share with the farmers the findings from three potato trial sites to give farmers the potato farming knowhow. He indicated that Ga-Mashashane, Avon and Gemake areas were identified as trial sites and only two cultivars namely, Valor and Mondial were planted. Mukhontho said it was found that Mondial produced more than 80% large size potatoes while Valor produced 60% large potatoes.
LDARD Natural Resources Assistant Director, Netshivhodza Michael addressed farmers about conservation agriculture and how farmers could benefit from practising this type of farming. According to Netshivhodza, conservation agriculture protects the soil and makes agriculture more sustainable due to its ability to reduce soil erosion and carbon sequestration amongst others.
The local traditional leader, Gumbu Takalani has encouraged his community to grow food gardens. “Few years ago in my capacity as the traditional leader of Gumbu village, I heeded to the government call of one household one hectare initiative by the former Minister Gugile Nkwinti. To this day, I have never regretted because of the peace I have in knowing that no one in my community will go to bed hungry,” he said.
He praised the local community for living from farming. “In this community, we feed the nation and I am very proud of my people and the works of their hands. I am certain that my people will put what they have been told today into practice because farming is their life,” continued Gumbu.
“Limpopo is considered the region with the most potatoes under irrigation nationally, this is according to the article published by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. Ha-Gumbu community farmers will soon be counted amongst those contributing to the potatoes production within the Limpopo region,” indicated LDARD Musina Municipality Deputy Director, Budeli Ananias.
The Information Day was aimed at exploring and sharing the opportunities of growing potatoes as well as addressing the market challenges farmers face during harvest period
