According to Potatoes SA, the industry body for potatoes and onions, potatoes lifted from farms in the Free State are generally looking good, but there are quality issues with potatoes in some regions due to rain and hot weather. "Weather during the harvesting and growing season plays a big influence on quality. Parts of some regions experienced above-average rainfall and hot weather, which may influence the quality," the industry body said.
Several regions are currently in harvest season, including the western Free State and eastern Free State, the Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, North West, and North Eastern Cape, and Sandveld, and Ceres in the Western Cape.
In the Western Cape, rainy and hot weather conditions hampered quality. The eastern Free State experienced good rains that resulted in good quality and average to below-average yields. The western Free State is producing above average potato volumes, Potatoes SA said.
Source: businessinsider.co.za