The potato plant

Abstract

In 1900 New Zealand's average potato yield was 15 tonnes per hectare. This yield was 2 tonnes per hectare above the current world average and, as can be seen from Figure 1 , New Zealand potato yields have continued to improve in the last 75 years. As a result of the improvement in per hectare production, the area sown to potatoes declined (if somewhat erratically) from about 12,000 ha in 1901 to 9,000 in 1973. Total production in the same period increased from 172,000 tonnes to 244,000 tonnes (Figure 2) (N.Z. Dept. Stat., 1975). Before becoming self-congratulatory about our current high yields on the world scene, the scope for still further improvement in yield is illustrated by Switzerland - where between 1961 and 1974, per hectare production rose from 25 to 42 tonnes (F.A.O., 1975). Unlike many of New Zealand's agricultural industries, most of our potatoes are consumed on the local market. It is an unusual year when more than 5 per cent of the crop is exported. Potato growers are therefore not subject to the vagaries of world trade. However, world trends in potato growing and processing are of interest, as it is probable that what has happened in other developed countries will also occur here. One unfortunate trend for the grower has already shown up. In most countries, as affluence has increased, consumption of potatoes has fallen (Burton, 1966; Smith, 1966). The New Zealand figures are confusing. Based on published statistics, consumption would appear to have been static since 1938. In that year, each person consumed an average of 54 kg. By 1969, annual consumption was 72.8 kg but this has since declined once more to 53.5 kg. It is probable, however, that the 1938 statistics did not allow for the activities of the home gardener.