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Mechanisation In Potato Industry

The degree of mechanisation and efficiency achieved in the New Zealand potato industry, and some indications of future developments, were shown at a potato industry field day at Belfast yesterday.

During the day almost every type of machine used in the cultivation and marketing of potatoes —fro maircraft for spraying to a dry-cleaning machine which scrubs the potatoes clean ready for packaging—was demonstrated. Visitors were also advised on methods of digging, grading, the prevention and treatment of dis-

ease and the preparation of the ground for sowing. More than 1500 persons, including growers, merchants, implement engineers and research workers, attended the field day, which was organised by the Waimairi Potato Growers’ Association, with the assistance of the New Zealand Potato Board and the Grain and Produce Merchants’ Association. Talks were given by officers of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Department of Agriculture, and Canterbury Agricultural College, Lincoln. Aerial Spraying

Possibly the highlights were the demonstrations of aerial spraying by a Piper aircraft and a Bell

helicopter. Although neither of these methods has been brought into use for potato crops yet, growers were impressed with their possibilities. Emphasis was placed on the importance of harvesting and handling potatoes to avoid damage. Experts showed common faults in digging which had led to complaints of damaged potatoes. Although most of the digging machines demonstrated were imported models, some of the locally-made machines showed that New Zealand has made big advances in this aspect of agricultural engineering. Most of the machines were chain-driven, al*

though one incorporated the rotary principle generally considered most suitable for digging in wet soil.

Advantages of the harvester which digs the potatoes and picks them up to be bagged on the machine were also demonstrated. Grading System

The grading of potatoes for “export” to the North Island was explained by members of two Lyttelton firms. Opening bags of potatoes, they showed faults for which lines would be rejected. Usually about 10 per cent, of a line is checked; about 15 per cent, of small and misshapen potatoes are allowed; and about 4 per cent, of damaged and second growth potatoes. Dr. I. D. Blair, of CanterburyAgricultural College, said that in a survey into the cause of damage, neither farmers nor handlers had been convinced who was most responsible. He was quite convinced that most damage was caused in transport and port handling. The work of the Crop Research Division to produce new and better varieties of potatoes was outlined by the senior scientific officer, Mr C. M. Driver. Emphasis was being placed on developing varieties of high quality giving a good yield, free from disease and disease resistant, he said. Overseas experts had recommended that the only way to overcome scab in potatoes was to grow only those varieties. resistant to it. “If we produce these very high yield potatoes they have to be grown well. Potatoes require moisture and air and to have heavy crops the soil must be in good physical condition,” said Mr Driver. He predicted that in the next 15 years potatoes would be irrigated. He said they needed an even supply of water throughout their growth. The field day was opened by Mr W. H. Gillespie, member of Parliament for Hurunui, who spoke on the Government’s efforts to ensure a steady supply of potatoes, to guarantee a fair return to the grower, and to maintain a price reasonable to the consumer in the present economic structure.

Permanent link to this item
Hononga pūmau ki tēnei tūemi

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/CHP19570427.2.164

Bibliographic details
Ngā taipitopito pukapuka

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28262, 27 April 1957, Page 12

Word count
Tapeke kupu
579

Mechanisation In Potato Industry Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28262, 27 April 1957, Page 12

Mechanisation In Potato Industry Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28262, 27 April 1957, Page 12

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