LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Diversify staple foods
By Chris Shanda, Lusaka
Mon 27 May 2013, 14:00 CAT
I write to agree with the Zambian Vision Foundation President, Chilufya Luchembe that as a nation, we should diversify our staple foods to include others such as rice, sorghum and cassava.
In fact, these foods are already being consumed in many regions of Zambia. The exclusive consumption of nshima is only done because many Zambians feel that eating sorghum or cassava would lower their standing in society.
With regard to rice, many Zambians consider it alien and not befitting full-meal status, yet we have plenty of rice being grown in Western, Luapula and Northern provinces of Zambia.
Other foods such as Irish potatoes and sweet potatoes are also grown in abundance such that the change in eating patterns and adoption of these foods in our daily diets would reduce the demand on maize to a point where it would not be necessary to buy a whole 25kg bag of mealie-meal just to ensure household food security when rice, cassava, sorghum, potatoes and even bread can take the place of maize.
Our major problem also is lack of diverse cuisine.
Labels: MAIZE, POTATOES, SORGHUM
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Tips on potato planting
Friday, 21 December 2012 00:00
Agriculture Reporter
The Seed Potato Association production manual advises farmers on the correct procedures to follow when planting potatoes. According to the manual, correct planting ensures rapid emergence and uniformity of the crop, both of which are influenced by conditions of the seed tuber and soil.
* Soil structure, moisture and temperature determine soil conditions while seed conditions are determined by physiological stage of tubers and their size.
* Planting depth depends on moisture content and temperature.
* Seed should be planted deeper under dry and warm conditions while under cool and wet conditions the seed should be shallowly planted.
* By adjusting planting depth, potato cultivation can be adapted to existing conditions of moisture and temperature.
* The recommended planting depth is 7 to 10 cm measured to the top of the tuber.
* Planting depth can therefore vary from season to season and from field to field.
* Sprouted seed should be carefully handled during transportation and planting as sprout damage could result in non-uniform emergence.
* Furrows are opened, followed by placing or banding the fertiliser in the furrow, slightly covering and then laying the seed.
* The seed should be covered shortly afterwards and irrigating will reduce the chances of seed scotching.
Seed covering can incorporate ridging or as most common, the furrows, are just covered to achieve a flat surface.
The first irrigation should not saturate the soil as this may lead to seed decay due to lack of oxygen. In cases where the soil saturation is likely, pre-planting irrigation should be considered.
Labels: POTATOES, SEED POTATO ASSOCIATION (ZW)
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