Abstract:
Potato in Sudan has gained popularity especially during the last ten
years. Khartoum represents the area for potato production and
consumption. It produce about 80% of the Sudan's total production.
The study found that shortage of imported seeds , absence of easy and
unsufficient loans , high cost of production and marketing limiting of
commercial cold – storage , small cultivable land are the main constrains
facing potato production north of Khartoum state .
The overall objective of the study is to investigate potato
production and marketing north of Khartoum. The main objective of the
study is intended to identify the major constraints of potato production
and to study the economic of the crop production through the analysis of
the main cost items, calculate the gross margins and discussion of the
production functions. To test the efficiency of the marketing system, the
study also intended to calculate the marketing costs and margins of
potato.
The study was based on a survey carried out during the period
July-September, 2003. The sample selected included potato growers,
wholesalers, retailers. Crop budgets, regression analysis, marketing
margins , in addition to graphs, tables as well as statistical tools were
used to analyze the data throughout the study.
The result of the regression analysis indicate that variety , time of
sowing , number of irrigation , quantities of fertilizer sack \ fed , time of
harvesting , and size of farm were significant factors affecting production
of potato in north of Khartoum state
Selling in early season or storing the crop to be sold in time of
short supply results in high profitability.
The marketing system of potato in Khartoum state is found to be
inefficient because of wide margins. The study recommended the
production of potato seeds locally; the provision of agricultural inputs and
credits at the proper time at reasonable prices. Additional cold-stores,
easy and sufficient loans for small farmers marketing by cooperative.
Special attention should be given to extension services .
