Siseko Vikilahle
Pioneering Potato Production in the Transkei
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- I worked at Old Mutual during 1996 while studying Law part time. - My father farmed maize and I was introduced to farming by
assisting him with maize farming. My father farmed for 10 years thereafter.
- Seeing truckloads of produce being transported from East London
Market, I realized the potential of vegetable farming locally. - I leased land from local land owners and started out farming
BACKGROUND
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- I started with 15 hectares of land planting maize and pumpkins and a small amount of potatoes.
- Realizing the value of irrigation I sourced irrigation equipment in
1999
- Currently I have access to an additional 40 Ha under irrigation - My potatoes were very limited because I had no access to
implements and funding. My yield was also very poor at this stage - The quality of my potatoes was also not good due to a lack of
technical know-how of planting potatoes.
- During 2005 Potatoes South Africa presented a farmers day at Mthatha discussing production of quality potatoes and decided to plant a cultivar trial on my land.
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- Neighbouring farmers attended the planting of the trial and 5 different cultivars were planted.
- Valuable information was gained in terms of the difference between cultivars as well as the correct planting and production procedures.
- We learnt how to spray crop protection chemicals, and the correct plant spacing was of particular interest to me and other farmers.
- At the time Mnandi seemed to do well due to its resistance to
blight. - We started to use soil samples to determine fertilizer requirements
for potatoes
- Information regarding diseases and how to control these problems meant higher yields and better quality potatoes to market.
- Potatoes South Africa held regular market meetings and involved the Kei Fresh produce market.
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- Potatoes South Africa together with the Department of Agriculture decided to introduce a program of social development throughout the OR Tambo region to promote food security and create sustainable income for small farmers
- Social projects of 0,2 hectares were planted at 8 different farming communities in OR Tambo and 15 in Natal.
- After the initial cultivar trial a 0,2 ha project was planted
on my land. The results were good and Potatoes South Africa provided seed for one hectare.
- This is where it all started to develop, from small scale potato farming to enterprise development. Starting with 0.2 ha and graduating to 4 hectares.
- Criteria was developed for the enterprise development program and the rest is history.
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- From there I submitted a business plan for the enterprise development program and was assisted in terms of seed to plant 4 hectares.-
- At this stage I was also planting additional potatoes from the knowledge that I
gained over time to produce potatoes.
- Potatoes South Africa made a vehicle available for its transformation projects and so Izamban-ZN was a familiar site in the rural regions planting potato projects.
- When farmers saw this vehicle “Tshala Amazambane” was called out to fellow
farmers. This is how the slogan on our pocket came to be.
- Potatoes South Africa provides a small amount of bags to each project to start the marketing process.
- The bag creates pride and a sense of achievement and identity to small farmers starting off.
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CHALLANGES
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- Funding Potato production is expensive and access for funding is a major
stumbling block to break down the barriers of entry. Serious attention by organisations such as Potatoes SA, Government and other institutions must meet to discuss a solution to this problem. If we want to achieve goals for more black farmers to succeed we must address this issue. I don’t have the solution right now but some type of subsidy must be considered.
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Sorting and washing equipment - For small farmers to progress to commercial farmers,
sorting and washing of potatoes is necessary. Unwashed potatoes cannot compete with washed potatoes at big markets
- At Mthatha market a washer and sorter was installed but it costs almost R4 to wash and pack a pocket of potatoes. That is equal or more than your net profit.
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Transport - Transporting produce is too expensive for small holder
farmers. - A system of transports or transport subsidy must also be
considered. (This could be part of funding as well)
Yield - More research is necessary to increase yield. (better cultivars, best practices for local conditions)
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Some interesting facts learnt from Potatoes South Africa trials and info days Not to confuse blight with problems like leafminer. Different chemicals must be applied for different problems
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What is certified seed ? And why is it important for seed to be well sprouted
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Steps to take for good soil preparation starting with weed control
Using commercial equipment / Marketing and quality factors
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Basic financial principles in potato production
The value of soil sampling for effective fertilisation
How to calculate seed quantity
What does the future hold
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- If we can successfully address funding and mechanisation (Washing and sorting) I am sure that there is a bright future for us.
- It will be important to be efficient potato
producers and to expand small operations to commercial levels and break down the barriers of entry into the main stream of the economy.
