ECONOMICS OF POTATO PRODUCTION AND MARKETING IN KHARTOUM STATE

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 .