News / National
Smallholder farmers dominate potato market
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Smallholder farmers are fast becoming the dominant force in Zimbabwe's potato industry, now supplying the bulk of produce arriving daily at Mbare Musika, the country's largest agricultural market.
According to Knowledge Transfer Africa's eMkukumba platform, an average of 1,000 tonnes of potatoes is being delivered daily, with small-scale producers playing a central role in meeting national demand.
Dr Charles Dhewa, Chief Executive Officer of Knowledge Transfer eMkukumba, praised the exceptional quality of potatoes from Nyanga, noting that they are also suitable for seed production.
"We see supplies of potatoes coming from young small-scale farmers," said Dr Dhewa. "More than 300 tonnes come from Nyanga in Manicaland, with over 350 tonnes coming from Mashonaland East, Central, and West. Farmers from Gweru, Masvingo, and Kwekwe supply between 150 and 250 tonnes daily."
He said the flow of produce into mass food markets such as Mbare Musika not only facilitates food security but also enables the equitable distribution of income across the country. Market data also provides valuable insights into commodity trends, pricing dynamics, and the demographics of suppliers.
"The Nyanga potato stands out for its superior quality, which makes it ideal for both consumption and seed multiplication. The region's favorable climatic conditions and farming practices contribute to this," Dr Dhewa added.
Potato prices at Mbare Musika currently vary depending on quality and size. A pocket of small potatoes is priced between US$5 and US$6, small-medium at US$6 to US$7, medium at US$7 to US$7.50, and large to extra-large potatoes range between US$8 and US$9 per pocket.
Zimbabwe's potato farming is thriving due to the flexibility of its planting calendar, which allows for three production cycles annually: a summer (rain-fed) season, followed by two irrigated winter seasons.
Meanwhile, sweet potatoes - particularly the Vitamin A-rich orange-fleshed variety - are gaining traction in the market, with supplies coming from Mashonaland East and Manicaland. Dr Dhewa said entrepreneurs are now processing the variety into value-added products such as juices, attracting buyers from as far as Karoi.
"The orange-fleshed sweet potato is biofortified to address micronutrient deficiencies. It's part of a broader push by the Ministry of Agriculture to promote crops enriched with essential nutrients like Vitamin A, iron, and zinc," he explained.
With the growing involvement of youth and women in potato farming and processing, the sector continues to create opportunities across rural communities while contributing significantly to national food security and nutrition.
According to Knowledge Transfer Africa's eMkukumba platform, an average of 1,000 tonnes of potatoes is being delivered daily, with small-scale producers playing a central role in meeting national demand.
Dr Charles Dhewa, Chief Executive Officer of Knowledge Transfer eMkukumba, praised the exceptional quality of potatoes from Nyanga, noting that they are also suitable for seed production.
"We see supplies of potatoes coming from young small-scale farmers," said Dr Dhewa. "More than 300 tonnes come from Nyanga in Manicaland, with over 350 tonnes coming from Mashonaland East, Central, and West. Farmers from Gweru, Masvingo, and Kwekwe supply between 150 and 250 tonnes daily."
He said the flow of produce into mass food markets such as Mbare Musika not only facilitates food security but also enables the equitable distribution of income across the country. Market data also provides valuable insights into commodity trends, pricing dynamics, and the demographics of suppliers.
Potato prices at Mbare Musika currently vary depending on quality and size. A pocket of small potatoes is priced between US$5 and US$6, small-medium at US$6 to US$7, medium at US$7 to US$7.50, and large to extra-large potatoes range between US$8 and US$9 per pocket.
Zimbabwe's potato farming is thriving due to the flexibility of its planting calendar, which allows for three production cycles annually: a summer (rain-fed) season, followed by two irrigated winter seasons.
Meanwhile, sweet potatoes - particularly the Vitamin A-rich orange-fleshed variety - are gaining traction in the market, with supplies coming from Mashonaland East and Manicaland. Dr Dhewa said entrepreneurs are now processing the variety into value-added products such as juices, attracting buyers from as far as Karoi.
"The orange-fleshed sweet potato is biofortified to address micronutrient deficiencies. It's part of a broader push by the Ministry of Agriculture to promote crops enriched with essential nutrients like Vitamin A, iron, and zinc," he explained.
With the growing involvement of youth and women in potato farming and processing, the sector continues to create opportunities across rural communities while contributing significantly to national food security and nutrition.
Source - The Herald
