Reasons for slow transformation in potato industry

Marketing limitations and sexism are among the stumbling blocks keeping new entrants to the potato industry from becoming commercial producers sooner.

This came to light during Potatoes South Africa‘s (PSA) transformation symposium held in Pretoria recently.

Phopi Ralentjana, a commercial potato farmer in Limpopo and PSA’s Enterprise Development Farmer of the Year in 2019, told delegates that government should be “ashamed” of the lack of transformation in the sector.

“Less than 1% of South Africa’s potatoes are produced by black people. Of the billions [of rands] spent [on transformation], what trickles down to farmers? The modus operandi of government leaves much to be desired.”

Ralentjana, however, applauded levy-paying potato producers for their contribution towards transformation.

Nomvula Xaba, PSA’s transformation manager, said the organisation had earmarked R10,8 million for transformation in 2022/23, or about 20% of the levy payable by producers. During the previous financial year, PSA had supported 16 developing farmers, she said. “PSA’s contribution was R5,8 million and the farmers invested R8,8 million. This has led to the creation of 192 new jobs.”

Piet Potgieter, manager of farmer development at VKB, said the time, effort and capital needed to transform the industry was greatly underestimated.

“A lot of effort has gone into transformation over the past 30 years, but the results aren’t clear, due to fragmentation. [More] engagement between commercial and new farmers [is needed]. The most success is found where these parties are able to ‘find’ each other.”

Alex Jandrell, a PSA mentor in Limpopo, said marketing limitations and a shortage of implements were obstacles for nearly all the 11 new farmers he had mentored over the past year. “If we want to speed up transformation, we must focus on these two issues.”

Jandrell said that despite the challenges, these farmers had performed well during the past planting season. Six had been able to produce over 60t/ha. “The average yield of all 11 producers was over 50t/ha. This compares very favourably with the commercial farmers of the region where they farm.”

Zandile Masuku, deputy director of KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said sexism deterred women farmers from entering potato production.

“We also want to grow. Who are the farmworkers [in the potato industry]? They are women. This sector has put us at the periphery.

“One of the major challenges that women face is a lack of technological knowledge. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is here; women should learn to use it.”