The Ministry of Agriculture has begun planting locally produced seed potatoes in the Western Division for seed production.

Senior Research Officer, Dr. Tekini Nakidakida said the 14 tonnes of seed potatoes produced last year will be distributed in Nadroga/Navosa Province.

“Under the Potato Research and Development Program, this is the first time Fiji will be planting potatoes produced from local seeds,” Dr. Nakidakida said.

About two acres of potatoes were planted at the Legalega Research Station (LRS) last week as an emergency planting for seed block.

“From the two acres we are expecting to harvest eight to nine tonnes of potatoes in May or June and it will be stored in the cooler as seeds for distribution and replanting in July,” Dr Nakidakida said.

He said from this year there will be two cropping seasons to increase production in order to achieve a 5 percent reduction in imports of potatoes by 2018.

“Potato planting will continue in Nadarivatu and Dawasamu for off season seed production. It will also give us an opportunity to see the viability of potatoes during off season and how much can be produced,” Dr Nakidakida said.

“The Ministry was doing research on potatoes with farmers in Nadarivatu for four years. The implementation of this program is closely monitored by the Ministry including the conduct of ongoing research on tissue culture, seed multiplication (local seed production), importation of seed material from Australia as well as the implementation of field planting, monitoring crop husbandry and yield.”

“Red Pontiac variety which is proven and most suitable for Fiji’s climate has been grown in all parts of the country but the Western Division has been identified as one of the priority areas for potato farming due to availability of the soil type and precipitation levels which are ideal for potato production.”

“Potatoes grow best in the Nadarivatu highlands, Sigatoka Valley, parts of Rakiraki and Dawasamu. Farmers from these areas interested in growing potatoes can enquire with the agriculture locality officers if they want to be included in the potato program,” said Dr. Nakidakida.

The Ministry of Agriculture will purchase good quality potatoes from farmers at reasonable prices to store as seed materials for the next season as well as for off season while the remaining can be sold by the farmers.