Potato

Potatoes were first introduced outside the Andes region four centuries ago, and have become an integral part of much of the world's cuisine. It is the world's fourth-largest food crop, following rice, wheat and maize. In Egypt the crop was introduced on a small scale during the nineteenth century. It is nowadays the second most important vegetable crop after.

Taxonomy

Family
Solanaceae

Genus
Solanum

Species
Solanum tuberosum

Occurrence & Agricultural Importance in this Country

Cultivation Areas
The area around Khartoum accounts for over two thirds of the country's potato production. The area around Jebal Marra, in the western part of the country, is reported to be the second most important production area of Sudan. Some potatoes are also cultivated in the Gash Delta area in Kassala. Potato farming takes place mostly in small holdings occupying 0.25 - 5 Ha where the crop is used for subsistence and small scale trade (mainly supplying Khartoum markets).

Main Varieties
The main varieties include Alpha, Desiree, Arka and Spartaan.

Average yields of about 17 Tonnes per Ha have been reported but much lower and also much higher yields are possible.

Marketing Information and Uses

Use
Fresh and Processed

Markets
Predominately Khartoum is the where most of the demand occurs Potatoes in Sudan are generally available in the market seasonally (February to April).

Crop Management (Cultivation conditions and methods)

Soil Type
Growth and quality of potatoes are influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, light, soil type and nutrients. Many factors that influence potato growth are largely uncontrollable: length of growing season, air and soil temperatures, light intensity and duration, humidity and wind. Only when all factors are at optimum levels can the most profitable yields of quality potatoes be attained. Potatoes prefer well aerated, loamy soil with good drainage. Soil Salinity, waterlogging and high levels of calcium-carbonate are undesirable for potato cultivation as they negatively affect productivity and starch content.

Temperatures
Potatoes are a winter crop in Sudan, as they do not tolerate well the high summer temperatures.

Water Requirements
Irrigation is necessary and the timing and amount of irrigation are critical decisions for the farmer and depend on soil, weather conditions and the salinity of the irrigation water. In the spring, two to four irrigation applications are generally required before emergence. When the foliage is well developed, farmers irrigate regularly. In the autumn season irrigation begins immediately after planting and must be repeated frequently until after emergence to keep soil temperature low.

Nutrition Requirements
Soil should be subjected to analysis for nutrient availability in order to develop an appropriate fertilization scheme. Generally in Sudan production takes place with a minimum use of fertiliser.

Harvesting Period
The winter crop is harvested in February to March while the summer crop is harvested from September until October.

Harvesting Methods
Mainly manual labour is employed due to the lack of machinery.

Planting Period
Potatoes around Khartoum and Kassala are a winter crop. Planting generally occurs between the beginning of November and the first week of December. Late planting may cause substantial losses in yield due to high temperatures in March and April. At Jebel Marra two crops are grown per year. The winter crop is planted in November to early December and the second crop is grown during the rainy season with planting taking place in June or July, depending on rainfall.

Potato

Products

Crops

Pests

AgroTV

Our Company