By Shingirirai Mutonho

MANY Zimbabweans are taking to a new method that maximises yields in potato growing after realising that the high-input
crop can bring high returns over a short growing period.
The planting of potatoes in planter bags is becoming popular especially among urban dwellers that have small portions of land for farming activities.
This project has been embraced by many urban farmers. Urban agriculture is not a new phenomenon in Zimbabwe as over the years urban dwellers have used the open pieces of land and backyards to grow various crops and even raise animals.
Crops that are mainly produced by urban farmers include maize, sweet potatoes, and ground and round nuts.
Lloyd Mutetwa and his wife Margret have since turned the backyard at their Cranborne home into a ‘potato field’.
The couple is driven by its passion for farming and the need to produce food for its family.
“Gardening is our hobby,” said Mutetwa.
“In the past we have been growing various horticultural produce for family consumption and excess to sell.
“We decided to grow a crop which we could produce all year round hence we chose to concentrate on the potato.”
Mutetwa, who is also a Divisional and Environmental Health officer at the Harare City Council said they took time to research on the potato crop before engaging in its production.
Armed with knowledge on agriculture acquired during his training days at Domboshava Training College and days he worked as an Extension Officer in Manicaland, Mutetwa knew his ambitions would yield results.
“During my training I did studies that were agriculture related and this elevated my passion for farming and with the knowledge gathered back then I used it for my projects,” he said.
“We had the soil from my backyard tested before we started growing the potatoes.
“At first we were growing the potatoes the traditional way which is directly on the ground.”
After failing to produce the desired yields, Mutetwa said, they then decided to try out the method of growing potatoes in planter bags.
“Growing potatoes is no longer about having a large garden,” he said.
“The new and easy method for anyone to grow potatoes is in planter bags.
“The farmer only requires 50 kilogramme re-usable bags to grow the potatoes anywhere.
“With this method one is able to produce more and easily monitor the growth of the crop.”
This ‘new’ method which is fast becoming popular is expected to result in higher production levels, as more players are joining the sub-sector.
The method will also result in the reduction of the importation of genetically modified products which continue to flood the market at a cheaper price.
Most indigenous farmers have been shunning potato farming, which was once a preserve of former commercial farmers as they lacked production knowledge.
With the production of potatoes having been made easier, more players will definitely produce the crop.
Small-scale farmers have since taken up potato production seriously with stakeholders also assisting them through conducting training programmes for new growers. Vocational Training Centres and individuals such as Mutetwa who are practising this method of producing potatoes are offering tutorials for prospective growers.
“Such a project requires dedication and one has to follow through the process in order to get a quality crop,” said Mutetwa.
“The growers should ensure they have the right seeds purchased from reputable companies to avoid getting poor yields and one potato plant has to be planted in each sack.”
With the growing number of players joining the potato production sector, Mutetwa said quality seeds were now not easily accessible.
He said farmers should invest in the right pesticides and fertilisers.
“When applying fertilisers the correct measurements should be applied for instance each plant requires 30 grammes Compound S,” Mutetwa said.
Mutetwa said growers can also apply manure in their plants.
Zimbabwe has a well-developed potato industry which has the capacity to adequately supply potatoes at the right price.
The country has a well-isolated seed production area which has the potential of producing basic seed enough to plant 30 000 hectares annually.
The potato has one of the highest yields per unit area and unit time.
The crop is well known for its high nutritional value, high yields and quick returns as it is grown and harvested in three to four months.
With more committed potato growers such as Mutetwa the potato sub-sector is poised for continued growth.