Factors Limiting Potato Growing

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30953, 8 January 1966, Page 10

Factors Limiting Potato Growing

New Zealand could grow several hundred thousand acres of potatoes, “but if we want to increase production in a big way, we will have to improve utilisation,” according to Mr C. M. Driver, of the Crop Research Division, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Lincoln.

Writing in the current issue of the “Commercial Grower.” Mr Driver says there is room for an increase in products such as potato crisps and the diversion of lower grades to starch production. But in general, there will be no big increase in production, unless some way is found for exporting, either in fresh or dried form. “To hold and perhaps improve the present markets for potatoes, there will need to be greater insistence on quality,” Mr Driver writes. “There are some very good lines of potatoes reaching the market, but still far too many poor qnes,” he states. “Some improvement can come from improvements in growing, but still more by improvements in harvesting to reduce damage, controlled storage to reduce deterioration in quality, better and more careful grading and packing, with diversion of lower grades to alternative uses, and by better distribution.

Bulk Shipment? “Improved methods of distribution ought to be investigated,” Mr Driver contends. “It could be, for instance, a good idea to ship bulk-har-vest potatoes in bulk in pallette boxes, holding 10 cwt to a ton, with grading and packing adjacent to the market. This would undoubtedly reduce damage. Commenting on the need for greater utilisation “if we want to increase production in a big way,” Mr Driver says large-scale export depends upon a form of processing that makes potatoes easier to export throughout the year, without special transport facilities being necessary. The only products for which there is a large-scale demand are crisps, frozen chips (french fries) instant mash, and potato starch, he states. “Crisps are now the most important food product from potatoes, but because of distribution problems (bulk,

brittienes, and need for freshnes) they tend tt> be made near centres of consumption. While export is possible, it is unlikely tn develop to large proportions. “There is an increasing demand overseas for frozen chips, but these wouk’ need refrigerated transport. The need for refrigeration will limit this product to the more sophisticated and already well-supplied markets.

Mr Driver states that when potatoes are dehydrated, many distribution problems disappear. “There is less weight, no bruising, no rapid deterioration, and no special storage required. Handling and distribution are easy, shelf life is good, and preparation is simple. There is, he states, an increasing world market for processed potatoes, and although the quantity dehydrated is still a small proportion of the total crop by New Zealand standards, the quantity is large.

U. S. Example He cites as an example, the United States, where the equivalent of five to eight times the whole New Zealand crop is dried each year. Not only can an acceptable product be made from potatoes alone, but also they can be combined before drying with animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, cheese and milk, to give products of high nutritive value. Mr Driver concludes by listing the following factors, which a large-scale industry for export, would entail: — Further development of products including mixtures, the right varieties and agronomic practices to give the right type of raw material. Efficient farm production including cheaper seed, better agronomic practices, better disease control, better varieties, irrigation in some areas, bulk harvesting. Efficient factory production including large scale production, controlled storage, full mechanical handling, and preferably integrated factories producing a range of products.

A “hard sell” of the product even though in some cases this would mean the creation of a market where at present none exists.

Calf COW Cow Extra weight of calf Drop 3/85 3/27 produced by 3/27 1956 4491b 5721b 123 ) 465 i.e the 1957 5031b 7621b 259 ) weight of 1958 4171b 5001b 83 ) one extra calf