Considered the third most important food crop on the planet, the potato (Solanum tuberosum) is consumed by over a billion people worldwide. Furthermore, its annual global production exceeds 330 million tons over an area of 18 million hectares.
In national territory, the potato agribusiness involves, on average, 5,000 producers in 30 regions across seven states: MG, SP, PR, RS, SC, GO, and BA. Want to know more about this profitable and essential crop? Check out the tips from 7MBoots below to start your potato farm right away.
The majority of potato production in Brazil is marketed fresh, with only 10% allocated for industrial processing, which includes pre-cooked and frozen potatoes, chips, and shoestring potatoes. In other words, the industrial use is very low in our country, leaving room for growth in this sector. Additionally, another important factor is the busy daily life of many Brazilians, which creates the need for products that are quick and practical to prepare, as changes in behavior have a direct impact on consumption patterns.
Nowadays, there are over four thousand cultivated potato varieties, with significant variation in tubers, especially concerning size, shape, and internal and external color. Additionally, the amounts of solanine and chaconine present in each variety also vary widely.
Capable of reaching heights between 30 centimeters to 1 meter, potato flowers can be white, pink, or purple, and their fruits measure 1 or 2 cm in diameter, containing hundreds of seeds. Moreover, all parts of the plant contain toxic alkaloids, primarily solanine and chaconine; however, tubers generally contain much lower concentrations of these substances compared to stems, leaves, and fruits.
It is crucial for potatoes to be planted in soil free from stones or other debris. Furthermore, the plant thrives in a mild climate with an ideal temperature range between 15°C and 25°C. However, when soil temperatures exceed 27°C, tuber formation is inhibited. Additionally, the potato plant needs good light to grow well and should have daily exposure to sunlight. In hot climates, potatoes can be cultivated with partial shade.
Regarding potato planting, it is essential to use fertile soil rich in organic matter and nitrogen, well-drained as well. The ideal pH level is between 5 and 6; however, the potato plant is quite tolerant concerning this matter. Irrigation should be balanced to keep the soil slightly moist and not waterlogged, as excess water encourages plant diseases to develop.
Important: Suspend irrigation during the last two weeks before harvest.
Commercial farms primarily plant certified seed potatoes, which are traditionally potatoes grown in disease-free locations. Typically, these areas have harsh winters where the soil freezes and kills the insects that cause diseases. Nowadays, certified seed potatoes can be sourced from plants grown using modern techniques in controlled environments.
Nevertheless, home gardens can use potatoes that show no signs of disease. It is recommended to leave the potatoes in well-lit areas until the sprouts grow. Potatoes should be planted as soon as the sprouts reach approximately 2 cm in length.
There is also the possibility of using large cut potatoes to produce more plants; to do this, simply ensure at least two sprouts per piece. It is essential to store these pieces in well-ventilated areas for at least one day so that the cut surfaces dry before planting.
Furthermore, some potato varieties can be cultivated from seeds taken from the fruit itself, which are planted in seedbeds and later transplanted when they have at least four leaves.
Another option is to grow potatoes in pots or containers, but it is important that they have a minimum width and depth of 30 cm.
Generally speaking, potatoes can be harvested when the leaves turn yellow, and the tubers easily loosen. It is essential to let the plant dry before beginning the harvest. Moreover, potatoes are typically ready for harvest between 75 and 180 days after planting; however, this varies depending on the variety, climate, and other regional factors.
Important: The potato plant is toxic; therefore, its stems, leaves, and fruits should not be used for human or animal consumption.
So, cowboys and cowgirls, did you enjoy the tips from 7MBoots on how to start a potato farm? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to the site, as we are preparing many new things for you.
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