New information from the Joburg Market confirms the pressure from the large volumes of potatoes on the market is easing.
By Jasper Raats, senior journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
On Tuesday, 2 December, 162 272 bags of potatoes were received. The market also started the day with a relatively high transfer of 85 730 bags, but buyer demand was sufficient to quickly absorb stock.
A total of 182 125 bags were sold – a strong sell-out that reduced the availability to 65 547 bags. A further 17 249 bags were pre-ordered, indicating steady demand.
According to David Nel of Botharoodt Grow Fresh Produce Agents, the reduced pressure on the market floors is not necessarily due to a sudden drop in production, but rather the past week’s rain that kept farmers out of the fields.
Large and medium-sized potatoes are currently maintaining good prices, while large volumes of small and medium-small potatoes are selling at consumer-friendly prices.
Nel says there is traditionally a higher demand in December and prices should remain favourable for producers – especially for larger potatoes. However, he warns the rain still poses a risk, especially in the dryland areas of the Eastern Free State where heavier soils drain slowly and hail damage has recently caused problems.
Also read:
How Mazeli Farming and Projects transformed into a potato powerhouse
Matome makes dynamite moves in potato farming
Potato production – diseases and pest control
