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Agriculture Science Developments, 2(4) April 2013, Pages: 40-46

TI Journals
ISSN
2306-7527

Agriculture Science Developments


www.tijournals.com

Irish- Potato Production in the


West Coast Region of The Gambia
Lamin K M Fatty *1, Daniel Sambou 2
1
2

University of The Gambia, School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Brikama Campus, P. O. Box 3530, The Gambia.
University of The Gambia, School of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Brikama Campus, P. O. Box 3530,The Gambia.

AR TIC LE INF O

AB STR AC T

Keywords:

The aim of the study is to identify cultivars that can thrive in the country, and examine the yield of
cultivars per hectare, as well as what need to be done to improve the production of Irish potatoes in
the country The field research was conducted in West Coast Region of The Gambia. The study was
conducted in 200 hectares farm which produces Irish potato, cabbage, maize etc. Simple random
sampling method was used to select 350 respondents out of a population of 3,500. Both structured
and unstructured interviews were used to gather information for the study. The results obtained
from the research concluded that fibula spunta, mondal and silvy are varieties which are grown in
the study area. It further revealed that fibula yield more than spunta, mondal and silvy but it easily
perish when stored for long because of its water content. It was also found that with better
organized market for Irish potatoes, like the local markets and restaurants; the production would
increase in the study area. The information gathered from the survey further shows that Irish potato
production can increase farmers income and use for food for both human and livestock. Extension
workers should be equipped and encouraged for the dissemination of techniques in Irish potato
production. Farmers should be trained on proper techniques of production.

Irish potato
Cultivars
The Gambia
Production

2013 Agric. sci. dev. All rights reserved for TI Journals.

1.

Introduction

Irish Potato (solanium tuberosum) was introduced into Europe from South America sometime between 1565 and 1573. It was first
grown in Spain by early part of the seventeenth century. It was found in the botanical gardens of many European states. About the same
time, English explorers brought potatoes to England. From there, potatoes were introduced into Ireland and Scotland. They became the
principal crop of Ireland because they grew so well there. In fact the potato became known as the Irish potato because such a large part of
the Irish population depended on it for food.
Irish potato is an important vegetable in the world today; the tubers can be cooked in various ways. It is used for stock feed and human
consumption starch, spirits, and industrial alcohol are prepared from it. According to Masefield, Wales, Harrison and Nicholson et.al (1969)
alcohol prepared by the fermentation of cooked potatoes is an important import product in some countries for the manufacture of liquor
such as Schnapps.
By-products such as potato starch, glucose and dextrose are used in biscuit production, the brewing industry, confectionary for the
distillation of alcohol and making various types of tapioca. In the non-food by-products such as potato starch, starch proper and dextrin are
used in the manufacture of cardboards, glues, textiles and paints and the laundry business (Raemaekers, 2001). According to World Book
Encyclopaedia (1996), Irish potato has genetic resources which are very important for crop improvement. Cultivars include: Chippewa,
Cobbler, Red Lasoda, Red Pontiac, Superior, White Rose, Russet Burbank, Norchip, Kennebec and Katahdin. Russet Burbank, Norchip,
Kennebec and Katahdin are very good for baking but Kennebec is best for processing into potato chips. According to Kharafi (2009)
spunta, fibula, silvy and mondal are adapted cultivars in the Gambia that can thrive well in the Gambia soils. The plant grows best in cool
climates, in a light sandy or clay loam. The soil should be loosened to a depth of about seven inches and well broken. Growth will be
better if thoroughly decayed animal manure and commercial fertilizers are added to the soil before planting. This will help in increasing the
nutritional level of the soil and improvement of the soil structure and the water-holding capacity.
According to World Book Encyclopaedia (1985), farmers occasionally cultivate the soil around the growing plants. Cultivation helps
aerate the soil, kill weeds, and supply soil covering for the growing tubers. Potato growers use two basic methods of cultivation: bridge or
hill, culture and level culture. Ridge culture is the most common method of cultivation. Farmers use a cultivator to build small hills over
the seed potatoes. This protects the tubers from sunburn or frost. Level culture is mostly in areas where growers plant the seed potatoes
deep in the soil. They are planted in a deep furrow, which the farmer gradually fills as the plant grows. A whole tuber and segment called
seed piece are used to raise a whole Irish potato plant. Whole tubers are the best seed potato because they are less likely to rot and become
diseased than seed pieces. Before planting seed potato, farmers spray them with fungicides to reduce the possibility of disease infestation.

* Corresponding author.
Email address: lkmfatty@utg.edu.gm

Irish- Potato Production in the West Coast Region of The Gambia

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Agri culture Scienc e Developments , 2(4) April 2013

Irish potatoes have extensive genetic resources which are very important for crop improvement. Some potato cultivars are periclinal
chimeras. Their nature can be demonstrated experimentally by removing the buds from tubers and forcing adventitious buds arise from
internal tissues. Removing the buds from Norton beauty, which has mottled tubers, gives Triumph, which has red tubers. Golden
wonder, which has tubers with a thick brown russet skin, is also chimera, having inner tissues characteristics of Long worthy, whose
tubers have a thin, white smooth skin (Harhmann and Kester, 1975).
According to RKC Host Consultants (www.zamseed.com, 2010), many factors should be considered when choosing the soil for potatoes.
Potato plants are gross feeders requiring large quantities of easily available nutrients on account of their weak, shallow fibrous root system
and because they have to bulk up high yield within a relatively short time. Potato can grow on a wide range of soil type, but the crop
thrives best in deep fertile, well drained light to medium loams, although somewhat higher yield may be obtained on heavier soils. Deep
loose seedbed enhances rapid emergence and subsequent crop development.
For best production, potatoes need full sun. They do best in a loose, well drained, slightly acid soil. Poorly drained soils often cause poor
stands and low yields. Heavy soils can cause the tubers to be small and rough, (Bob Websters www.gardeningkt.sa.com, 2011).
Webster and Wilson (1973) stated that the main objectives of preparatory cultivation are: to loosen and break up the soil in order to
increase aeration and infiltration of water, the latter being of special importance, especially where water is the limiting factor. Cultivating
the soil mechanically as opposed to manually does not offer any advantage although it saves time, under certain conditions, and money.
Land and Bartsch (1977) stated that mechanization results in production losses every other year, despite its apparent overall advantage in
terms of absolute value. According to Elsevier (1985) potatoes can be grown on all types of soils, provided drainage is adequate. Heavy
soils restrict tuber formation and complicate harvesting.
Potatoes are susceptible to salinity. In soils with a poor internal drainage, ridge cultivation is necessary. An essential feature of ridges and
mounds is the improvement in soil fertility and physical conditions within the root zone compared to conditions obtaining under flat
planting (Lal, 1990). Irish potato being a root crop, tends to be sensitive to unfavourable aeration in the root zone, responds favourably to
the improved conditions under ridges and may also be harvested more readily than when planted on the flat.
Raemarkers (2001) stated that if potato is the first crop in a rotation, preparation of the field has to be thorough. Clearing will be followed
first by tillage to open up the soil and then by deeper tillage to incorporate vegetation, and pulverize the soil properly. Levelling the plot
and breaking up the clods may be more secondary than would be the case.
Healthy plant materials are essential for a good crop. Most seed potatoes are therefore imported into the tropics. Seed potatoes are planted
at a rate of 1.3 1.9 tonnes/ha. Sometimes parts of potatoes with at least one eye are planted. This economizes on transport costs but may
result in increased rotting of the plant material, (Elsevier et al., 1985). A whole tuber and segment called seed piece are used to raise a
whole Irish potato plant. Whole tubers are the best seed potato because they are less likely to rot. Before planting seed potatoes, farmers
spray them with fungicides to reduce the possibility of diseases. Propagation by tubers can be done either by planting the tubers whole or
by cutting them into sections, each containing one or more buds or eyes. These small pieces of tubers to be used for propagation of the
potato are commonly referred to as seed. The weight of the tuber piece should be 28 to 56g to provide sufficient stored food for new
plant to become well established (Hartmann and Kester, 1959). Each seed piece must have at least one good eye. Cut the seeds 5 to 6 days
before planting. Hold the cut seed in a well-ventilated spot so it can heal over to prevent rotting when planted in cold, wet or very hot
weather.
Potato responds very well to fertilizers. Phosphate promotes high starch content in the tubers, while potassium application improves the
keeping quality. Potatoes are susceptible to chloride, which reduces their starch content. Chloride fertilizers therefore should be avoided.
The nutrients removed by a crop of 25 tonnes potatoes/ha are: 115kg of N, 45kg of P2 O 5, 200kg of K2O and 70kg of ca (Elsevier et al.,
1985).
Compound fertilizer of 10-10-10 per 100 feet of row can be applied. The fertilizer can either be broadcast or worked into the soil or
applied as side dressing beside the row at planting time but should never touch the seed pieces of the Irish potato, (Reilye and Shry, 1979).
Cooke (1972) stated that for long the average recommendation was 125kg/ha each of N and P2 O5 and 188kg/ha K2O. 134kg P2O/ha is
recommended which varies from 56kg K2O/ha (44 units K2O/ha), depending on the amount of acid-soluble K in soils. The plant must have
adequate moisture and fertilizer when the tubers are forming. This usually occurs when the plants are 6 to 8 inches tall. 1 cup of fertilizer
for each 30 feet of row is applied beside the plants when they are about 4 inches tall.
According to F.A.O (1978) water requirement must be considered from two aspects. The global requirement for the whole farm, Second the
daily requirement of Irish potato to grow. These estimations are required to prepare an irrigation programme based on those per hectare.
Apart from the requirements for regular irrigation, provision is necessary for the pre-irrigations to moisten the soil, to a suitable depth
before planting. A development stage high soil moisture levels; after formation of tubers, blossoming to harvesting is required, (Elsevier, et
al., 1985). R. Host Consultants (2010) stated that for large scale production, or intensive horticulture, irrigation facilities may already be
available. However, for a small scale farmer intending to start irrigation application operations with a seed crop, several factors have been
considered; the source of water, e.g. stream, borehole, well, dam etc. and its availability throughout the growing period of the proposed
crop. Too much water enlarges the pores on the tubers and makes them rot easily in storage.
In a good stand of potatoes, weeding should not be necessary from 6 weeks after planting onwards. Weeding is usually combined with
earthen-up. Researchers have observed differing abilities among varieties to suppress annual broadleaf weeds. Competitive ability directly
correlates with early emergence, rapid early growth and maintenance of a dense leaf canopy throughout the growing season. Zero weed

Lamin K M Fatty and Daniel Sambou

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Agri culture Science De velopment s , 2(4) Apri l 2013

control reduces yield by 22% compared to weed-free plots. Potatoes kept weed-free for the first 4 weeks after planting experience zero
yield reduction. Full yield is obtained when plot are weeded for the entire 6 to 9 weeks after planting or when weeds were removed at 6 or
9 weeks after planting.
Potatoes are normally harvested 1-2 weeks after the leaves have died off. This dying off can be affected artificially by spraying defoliants.
In the tropics harvesting is usually done by hand. It comprises lifting, collecting and bagging. Lifting is done with a fork or a pronged hoe.
Potatoes can also be lifted by ploughing up.
Potatoes may be dug for immediate use as soon as they are large enough to eat. Do not dig Irish potatoes that are to be stored until the tops
are dead. Do not leave potatoes exposed to light or they will turn green and be unfit for use. Farmers should avoid bruises or other injuries
such as cuts and fork holes in digging and handling. Potatoes have a sweating period in the first two weeks after harvesting.
According to Poincelot (1980), curing is used to heal cuts or bruises incurred during harvesting of Irish potatoes and to prevent rot of tubers
during storage through removal of water on the outer scales. Potatoes are cured by applying heat with humidity control to maximize water
losses but to expedite healing.
Irish potato contains vitamins and minerals. In terms of nutrition is best known for its carbohydrate content. Rice and Tindall (1990) stated
that the nutritional content of Irish potato include, 77 water (g), 82 calories (mg), 1.7 protein (g), 0.1 fat (g), 18carbohydrate (g), 0.6 fibre
(g), 8 calcium (mg), 51 phosphorus (mg), 1.1 Iron (mg), 65 B-Carotene equive (mg), 0.07 thiamine (mg).
Many factors affect the production of Irish potato in The Gambia. This is as a result of low level of farming techniques employed, incidence
of pests and diseases, inadequate good storage facilities and farming equipment. Inadequate improved cultivars caused serious threat to the
increase in production. Most farmers used locally available cultivars which are susceptible to pests and diseases. Insufficient and
unaffordability of inputs like fertilizers have grossly contributed to low production of Irish potato (Staff, Agricultural Science Department,
1998).

2.

Problem Statement, Justification and Objectives

2.1 Statement of Problem


Irish potato production in The Gambia is considered not feasible because it is an exotic crop. Low in production could be associated with
inadequate propagation techniques and planting materials (potato seeds). Private dealers engaged in importation of Irish potatoes contribute
to the low level of production and this affects the economy and foreign exchange of the country.
2.2 Justification
Irish potato is an important crop in the world. It is at a high demand in the domestic markets. This crop can serve as a source of income and
vital food for human. The nutritional content of Irish potato is high. The increase in consumption of Irish potato has led to the increase of
its importation in the Gambia. Thus increase in production will lead to an increase in income earn as well as improvement on the welfare of
the farmers. It will also create employment opportunities for many people and cut off its importation in to the country.
Plant breeders have provided cultivars suitable for Gambia soils and the weather. Most cultivars can be promising when grown during the
coolest part of the year (November to March).
As a result of its significance to diet and economy of the people of the Gambia, it is therefore essential to conduct a research by finding out
the economic gains of Irish potato production in the Gambia using Kharafi Farm as the pilot area.
2.3 Objectives
(a)
To identify cultivars that can thrive in the country.
(b)
To investigate yield of cultivars per hectare.
(c)
To suggest solutions of increasing the production of Irish potatoes in the country.
2.4 Hypothesis
Irish potato is not a high-yielding crop and therefore its production cannot increase Gambia farmers income.

3.

Methodology

3.1 Location
The field research was conducted at Kharafi Farm, Kafuta village, Kombo East, West Coast Region of The Gambia. The farm is made up of
200 hectares of which they grow Irish potato, cabbage, maize etc. The farm employed 400 workers of whom 85% are natives of Kafuta and
15% beyond Kafuta. The farm is 2.5km away from the village. The village is made up of 150 compounds with a population of 3500 people.
The topography of the village is flat with a soil structure made of sandy loam.
3.2 Sampling method
The research used both structured and unstructured interviews to gather information. In the structured or fixed choice questionnaires it
allows respondents o select from a set of answers provided. This could be in yes or no. This method is good for providing factual

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Agri culture Scienc e Developments , 2(4) April 2013

information quickly and it enables the respondents to compare the answers. It also gives the respondents to give little opportunity to express
them.
Unstructured or open-ended provides the respondents with the opportunity to express their opinion or answers freely. A sample of checklist
of questions can be found in Appendix 1.
3.3 Sample size
The survey targets a population of 350 people. The respondents are both farmers as well as those working at the farm but are all considered
as workers on Kharafi farm. The number of respondents interviewed, and given the questionnaires, sum to 350 workers of whom 300are
women and 50 men who specialized in the production of Irish potato. These respondents were selected through simple random selection. A
list of Irish potato farm workers was developed and the names of farm workers were written on pieces of papers. These papers were folded
and put in a small bag the names were randomly picked by one of the farmers in the farm. Three hundred and fifty (350) were distributed
among the population of 350 respondents by the researcher with the help of the official in at the farm. Out of the total 320 were received
and 30were pending.
The questions were designed in such a way that one can answer the basic research questions whether Irish potato production can increase
Gambian farmers income.
3.4 Method used to analyse the results
The information collected from the 330 respondents were presented and analysed using the Microsoft word Excel with the used of t-test in
trying to draw the results and conclusion from the tables and graphs.
3.5 Data collection and handling
Data was collected using a checklist of questions back up by supplementary questions to clarify certain issues and the literature review to
substantiate. The collected data was compiled and analysed by using table and graph.

4.

Results and Discussion


Table 1. Method of land preparation

Planting material

Tuber
Sets
Whole

Ridging
Mounding

2008
X

2009
X

2010
X

Note: X means not cultivar used and means used cultivar

From the table 1 above it has clearly stated that a whole tuber is used to raise a new Irish potato plant from 2008 to 2010 and no set of
tuber is used to raise a plant. The data collected further mention that the whole tubers are raised or propagated on ridges instead of on
mound. This shows that well protected and big tubers can be obtained on a ridge and not on mound.
Table 2. Cultivars suitable for production in the Gambia

Spunta
Mondial
Fabula
Barcelona
Bintji
Silvy

2008

X
X

2009

X
X

2010

X
X

Data collected in table 2 above stated that spunta, mondal, fabula and silvy are cultivars suitable for Gambia soil. According to respondents
Spunta and Silvy are in demand in the Gambia because they can be stored for long and produce big tubers compared to mondial and fabula
whose storage period is short because of the water content and produces small tubers. It further stated that Barcelona and Bintji perform
badly in the Gambia because of the soil and weather condition and produces very small tubers.
Table 3. Yield of cultivars per hectare

Cultivar
Spunta
Fabula
Mondal
Silvy

Yield per hectare (tons)


30 35
35 40
30 35
25 30

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Agri culture Science De velopment s , 2(4) Apri l 2013

From table 3 above it have clearly indicated that fabula yield 35 40 tons per hectare. According to the analysis in table 2, the storage
period of fabula is short and produces small tubers. The tables further indicate that Spunta and Mondial yield 30 35 tons per hectare while
silvy yields 25 30 tons per hectare.

Table 4. Marketing of Irish potatoes in the Gambia

Local market
Restaurant
Export

Total number of respondents


7
3
-

% of Irish potato sold in the market


70
30
-

Figure 1. Marketing of Irish potato in the Gambia

With the above data collected in table 4, it has clearly stated that 70% of the Irish potato is sold to the local market while 30% to
restaurants. It further indicated that zero percent is sold to the international market as export. According to the respondents Irish potato
tubers are sort out and graded into two categories (G-A D460 and 9-B D200) based on the size of the tubers.

Figure 2. Utilization of Irish potatoes in the Gambia

Irish- Potato Production in the West Coast Region of The Gambia

45

Agri culture Scienc e Developments , 2(4) April 2013

Table 5. Uses of Irish potato in The Gambia

Total number of respondents

% of Irish potato utilization

Food

30

Income

60

Stock feed

10

Others

From the above data collected in table 5 above, it has clearly indicated that 30% of the respondents used Irish potato for food, 60% utilized
it for income generation, and 10% for stock feed while zero percent for other purposes.

4.1. Discussion
The researcher looked at the cultivars that can thrive; and the yield of cultivars per hectare, and identifies improvement of increasing the
production of Irish potatoes in the country of Irish potato production in the Gambia especially in the west coast region of the country. The
survey indicated that a whole tube is preferred for propagation. This is raised on ridges because Irish potato is a tuber crop it loosed and
well-drained soil for tubulisation.
Furthermore, the research indicated that spunta, mondal, fibula and silvy perform well in the Gambia. The respondents stated that spunta
and silvy are high demand in the domestic market because they have less water content which makes them suitable for storage and
produces big tubers, while mondal and fibula has high water content and are not ideal for storage.
The survey further shows that fibula is a high yielding cultivar which produces 35-40 tons per hectare, spunta and mondal produces 30 35
tons per hectare while silvy yield less 20 30 tons per hectare.
The results revealed that 70% of the Irish potatoes produced are sold to the local markets, 30% to restaurants while zero percent as export.
They study further stated that 60% respondents uses Irish potatoes for income generation, 30% for food and 10% for livestock feed.

5.

Conclusion

The results indicated that the Irish potato cultivars that are grown in the Gambia are Spunta, Mondal, Fibula, and Silvy as shown from table
3. In table 3, further shows that fibula is a high yielding cultivar which produces 35-40 tons per hectare, spunta and mondal produces 30
35 tons per hectare while silvy yield less 20 30 tons per hectare. The crop can do better when a whole tuber is used as seed piece for
propagation. This is raised on ridges for effective tubulisation. It further revealed that fibula yield more than spunta, mondal and silvy but it
easily perish when stored for long because of its water content. The study further indicated that there is an organized market for Irish
potatoes. This is sold to local markets and restaurants.. The crop is a high yielding crop this depend on the cultivar(s) suitability to the soil
and weather condition of the country. The information gathered from the survey further shows that Irish potato production can increase
farmers income and use for food for both human and livestock.
5.1 Recommendation
From the research findings the following recommendations are hereby made;
As the results indicated producers should encourage and popularise the cultivation of fibula, spunta and mondal as they produces higher
yield in tons per hectare than other varieties respectively
The results revealed that 70% of the Irish potatoes produced are sold to the local markets, 30% to restaurants while zero percent as export.
They study further stated that 60% respondents uses Irish potatoes for income generation, 30% for food and 10% for livestock feed.
The Gambia government should encourage research institutions and partner agencies towards breeding and selection of cultivars that can be
adaptable and resistance to the environment.
The government should formulate policies encouraging diversification of cash crops e.g. Irish potato.
Both government and private agencies to collaborate and provide credit or grants to farmers in order to raise the production of Irish potato

Acknowledgements
Many people assisted in the preparation of this paper. However, special recognition should goes to Dr. Sidat Yaffa, (Assistant Professor),
Dr. Saikou E. Sanyang(Region 3 Agricultural Director, Gambia), and Sanna Sanneh (Senior Officer), Gambia Horticultural Office,
Yundum. It has also drawn a lot of inspiration from the support given by the staff of Kharafi Farm, Kafuta village for equipping us with
both academic and technical knowledge, which enabled me to accomplish this paper. To all, I extend my gratitude appreciation.
Appreciation also goes to authors from whom some of the sentences are extracted to facilitate and strengthen the paper write-up. For any
in-advertent omission is deeply regretted. A special thanks to the staff, University of The Gambia, School of Agriculture and
Environmental Sciences for the knowledge incurred. Thanks, all of you.

Lamin K M Fatty and Daniel Sambou

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Agri culture Science De velopment s , 2(4) Apri l 2013

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