By George Henry, Gleaner WriterSPALDINGS, Clarendon:
ALVIN MURRAY, general manager of the Christiana Potato Growers Co-operative, has said that better Irish potato yields were expected this season over last season, as more farmers had planted 'A' grade seeds this time round.
Last year, many farmers reported disappointing Irish potato yields which the co-operative had said was because of inferior 'B' grade seeds imported by some of its competitors.
Among the complaints were that Irish potato plants were surviving for only six to eight weeks four weeks fewer than the usual maturity period.
"We are now over that hump... we want Irish potato farmers to recognise that good planting material is the first step to good potato production," said Mr. Murray.
The Ministry of Agriculture had also taken several steps to ensure that no more inferior seeds were imported in the island.
Noting that he was expecting a 30 per cent increase in production, Mr. Murray said suppliers of 'B' grade Irish potato seeds, who last year claimed that the plants had died because of bad cultural practices, have been proven wrong, as current crops from 'A' grade seeds have been flourishing.
Meanwhile, he said there was a distinct preference for local Irish potatoes over imported ones. And as a result, steps would be taken to further increase the number of potatoes available locally.
However, Mr. Murray expressed concern that farmers were not practising proper disease control methods.
Consequently, he said several training exercises were being undertaken to benefit farmers.
According to Mr. Murray, numerous corporate entities have been assisting with programme through the provision of spray pans and chemicals.
