Siseko Vikilahle - Potatoes Vikilahle... · Siseko Vikilahle Pioneering Potato Production in the...
Transcript of Siseko Vikilahle - Potatoes Vikilahle... · Siseko Vikilahle Pioneering Potato Production in the...
Siseko Vikilahle
Pioneering Potato Production in the Transkei
2
- 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
3
-
- 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.
4
- 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.
5
- 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.
6
- 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.
7
CHALLANGES
8
- 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.
9
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.
10
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)
11
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
12
What is certified seed ? And why is it important for seed to be well sprouted
13
Steps to take for good soil preparation starting with weed control
Using commercial equipment / Marketing and quality factors
14
Basic financial principles in potato production
The value of soil sampling for effective fertilisation
How to calculate seed quantity
What does the future hold
15
- 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.