Seed production and seed use seasons
The time of the year in which potatoes are cultivated and the duration of the production seasons is a.o. determined by:
- climatical conditions-high/low temperatures-rainfall-frosts
- risks of the occurrence of diseases and pests
- availability of land for potatoes in crop rotation systems
- demand for potatoes and market opportunities
- availability of seed
- management of the farming systems
The length of the potato growing season varies from between 80-120 days up to 180 days.
Adjust demand and supply by:
- adjustment of production seasons (e.g. off-season production)
- adjustment of production methods and
- storage of potatoes.
Availability of seed and production seasons
Availability of seed (seed source, period of production, storage length and storage methods used) strongly influences the production season of potatoes.
Change in seed production systems and introduction of refrigerated stores for seed contribute to more flexibility regarding production seasons.
Seasons
- One crop per year
- Two crops per year
- More crops per year
- More crops in different climatical areas
Examples
BANGLADESH===
EGYPT===
SRI LANKA===
BOLIVIA===
BRAZIL===
NETHERLANDS