Sudafrica: No need to panic over reports of a shortage of potatoes in South Africa, says Potatoes SA
Potatoes South Africa on Thursday said there is no shortage of potatoes in the country and has also noted that “the reports of potato shortages and excessively high prices are over exaggerated and unlikely to materialise”.
This comes after producers in Limpopo were severely affected by black frost during the past winter, leading to widespread damage to potato crops.
Reports revealed that the shortage was expected to worsen in September, prompting concerns about the availability of potatoes and frozen chips.
Willie Jacobs, chief executive officer of Potatoes SA, stated that during a survey among their members in Limpopo, it was found that potatoes were in different growing stages when the frost occurred.
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This meant that it was unlikely that entire harvests were ruined.
“Frost was widely reported in Limpopo during the winter months of 2024, resulting in limited growth of potatoes. However, a Potatoes SA survey conducted among potato producers in Limpopo shows that potatoes were in different growth stages when the frost occurred, meaning not all potato plantings were ruined,” said Jacobs.
He added that while it had been difficult to quantify the yields lost, data indicated that 3 674 hectares were affected in Limpopo, with a possible average yield loss of 32%.
Fuente: https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/no-need-to-panic-over-reports-of-a-shortage-of-potatoes-in-south-africa-says-potatoes-sa/ar-AA1pQkf4
