Zimbabwe Farmers Plant 5 000 Hectares of Potatoes as Government Pushes for Import Substitution
At least 5 000 hectares of Irish potatoes have been planted this winter season as Government works toward import substitution and national self-sufficiency. The target for the season is 9 750 hectares.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri confirmed the progress during a tour of Ruargo Farm. He said the planted area represents just over half of the target, with efforts now focused on increasing production before the season ends.
To boost planting, Kutsaga has introduced a 30 percent discount on seed potatoes. This measure is aimed at helping farmers meet the Government’s target and ensuring adequate supply of table potatoes during the festive season.
Potatoes were declared a strategic crop in 2010 to strengthen food security at both household and national level. The same year, Government banned table potato imports to protect local farmers from competition with cheaper produce from neighbouring countries.
Zimbabwe consumes about 25 000 tonnes of seed potato annually. Kutsaga, under the Zimbabwe Potato Micro-Propagation Association (ZPMA), is the sole certifying seed agent mandated to produce and market seed potatoes. ZPMA has been contracting growers in suitable areas to expand the seed multiplication programme and reduce shortages.
Previously, low seed supply forced the country to import up to 60 percent of its requirements. ZPMA began seed multiplication in 2019, with production starting in Norton, Centenary, Goromonzi, Kadoma, Mazowe/Concession, Mvurwi, Norton, and Wedza in 2020. In 2021, the programme expanded to Lalapanzi, Gweru, Mwenezi, Middle-Sabi, Mhangura, and Mt Darwin.
Potato farmers are now partnering with agro-processors through off-take agreements, improving production volumes, market access, and long-term sustainability.
If the winter target is achieved, Zimbabwe will move closer to full potato self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports.
