The New Year brings a wealth of opportunities and one of the most prominent is the potato.
Potatoes have steadily transitioned from a supplementary food to one of the most consumed starches on Zimbabwean plates.
Across urban centres, growth points and rural households alike, the potato is now a regular feature on the menu.
From fast-food outlets serving chips as the starch of choice to households deliberately rotating meals between sadza, rice, pasta and potatoes, the tuber has cemented its place as an important food item.
In Zimbabwe’s major towns, chips have become synonymous with convenience and affordability.
Fast-food restaurants, food trucks, and informal traders now rely heavily on potatoes, driven by a youthful, urbanising population with changing food preferences.
At the household level, potatoes offer flexibility, shorter cooking times, and versatility, making them attractive for breakfast, lunch and supper. This shift in consumption patterns is no longer anecdotal; it is visible in market activity.
At Mbare Musika, a large pocket of potatoes is trading at approximately US$8, while medium-sized potatoes are fetching around US$7 per pocket, underscoring sustained demand.
These trends present a clear opportunity for farmers.
Potatoes are no longer just a horticultural crop for niche markets; they are now a mainstream food commodity with consistent demand throughout the year.
Local demand driving production
Zimbabwe has witnessed a remarkable expansion in potato production over the past decade.
The declaration of potatoes as a strategic crop by the Government has been a major catalyst, positioning the tuber as a key contributor to national food security alongside maize and wheat.
This policy shift has encouraged investment in seed systems, irrigation, research, and farmer financing.
Today, smallholder farmers are the backbone of potato production, supplying significant volumes to urban markets such as Mbare Musika, where up to 1 000 tonnes can be traded daily during peak supply periods.
Production has grown rapidly, driven by increased consumption, import substitution policies, and growing confidence among farmers.
The potato value chain has also created employment opportunities in transport, trading, packaging and processing.
With local demand largely met, the focus is gradually shifting towards export markets, particularly within the region.
Countries such as Mozambique continue to import potatoes, offering Zimbabwean farmers an opportunity to earn foreign currency if quality, volume, and consistency can be maintained.
Global consumption trends
Globally, potatoes are the fourth most important food crop after maize, wheat and rice.
Worldwide production exceeds 370 million tonnes annually, with Asia accounting for more than half of the total output.
Consumption continues to grow, particularly in developing regions where urbanisation and changing diets are driving demand for convenient, affordable foods.
In many European countries, potatoes are consumed daily, with per capita consumption exceeding 100 kilogrammes per year.
While Zimbabwe’s per capita consumption remains much lower, the current trajectory suggests significant room for growth as tastes evolve. Furthermore, the global market for processed potato products, such as frozen fries and crisps, has expanded rapidly.
This presents long-term opportunities for Zimbabwe, not only in fresh potato production but also in value addition and agro-processing.
How to grow potatoes successfully
Potatoes perform well under Zimbabwean conditions and can be grown up to three times a year where irrigation is available.
Planting seasons
Summer crop: November to December (rain-fed).
First winter crop: February to April (under irrigation).
Second winter crop: July to August (under irrigation).
Soil Requirements: Potatoes thrive in deep, well-drained, loose soils – preferably sandy loams with high organic matter. Avoid waterlogged fields, as potatoes are highly sensitive to poor drainage. The soil pH should ideally range between 5.0 and 6.5.
Seed Selection and Planting: Always use certified seed potatoes from reputable suppliers. Quality seed is critical for yield and disease control. Plant seed pieces 10–15 cm deep, spaced about 30 cm within rows and 75 cm between rows. Ensure proper ridging to cover tubers and prevent greening.
Fertilisation: Apply a basal compound fertiliser at planting, guided by soil test results. Top-dress with ammonium nitrate about three weeks after emergence to support tuber bulking. Balanced nutrition is essential for optimal yields and tuber size.
Water and Pest Management: Consistent moisture is critical, particularly during tuber formation. Avoid moisture stress and over-watering.
Regular scouting is essential to manage pests such as cutworms, aphids, nematodes, and potato tuber moth. Diseases such as late blight require early detection and timely fungicide application.
Harvesting and Storage: Potatoes are ready for harvest when the foliage dies back. Stop irrigation before harvesting to allow the skins to set. Harvest carefully to avoid bruising. Store potatoes in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place and avoid exposure to sunlight.
Government support and value chain standardisation
The Government, through the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy (AFSRTS), has prioritised crop diversification and climate-resilient food systems.
Potatoes are recognised as a key crop in this transition.
The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) is working with stakeholders across the potato value chain to promote regularised production, market transparency and standardisation.
Efforts include promoting standard packaging, improving market information systems, and strengthening coordination between farmers, traders and processors.
These measures are critical in ensuring fair pricing, quality consistency, and sustainable growth within the sector.
Potatoes present a compelling opportunity for Zimbabwean farmers. With strong domestic demand, supportive government policy, expanding regional markets, and relatively short production cycles, the crop offers both income and food security benefits.
As consumption continues to rise locally and globally, farmers who invest in good agronomic practices, quality seed and market-oriented production stand to benefit significantly.
Potatoes are no longer just a side dish; they are a vital part of Zimbabwe’s staple food basket and a value chain well worth exploring.
