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Storing Potatoes in Namibia: A Guide for Farmers

Storing potatoes in Namibia is a crucial step in maintaining the quality of your harvest before it reaches the market. Proper storage not only prevents losses but also ensures that potatoes remain fresh and marketable for longer periods. This post will provide you with an in-depth guide on how to store potatoes in Namibia, as well as tips on sorting, grading, and packaging your potatoes for optimal quality.

Why Proper Storage is Essential for Storing Potatoes in Namibia

Good storage practices are vital for storing potatoes in Namibia because they prevent common issues like dehydration, sprouting, bruising, and exposure to light. Potatoes stored incorrectly can turn green, become toxic, or suffer from rot, rendering them unfit for consumption or sale. Maintaining the right storage conditions ensures that your potatoes stay fresh and retain their quality.

To successfully store your potatoes, you need to ensure that they are stored at the right temperature, in the right conditions, and for the right duration. Let’s explore these factors in more detail.

Sorting, Grading, and Packaging on a Potato Farm in Namibia

Before you begin storing potatoes in Namibia, it’s essential to sort, grade, and package them correctly. The sorting, grading, and packaging on a potato farm in Namibia is regulated by the Namibian Standard (NAMS 009:2021 – Marketing and commercial quality control of potatoes). These standards ensure that potatoes meet food safety requirements and are market-ready.

During the sorting and grading process, you should remove and discard any rotten or infected tubers. This prevents contamination and ensures that only high-quality potatoes are stored. The sorting, grading, and packaging on a potato farm in Namibia can be done either manually by hand or with the help of machines. Potatoes are typically packaged in containers of different sizes, such as 3kg pre-packs, 7kg, and 10kg pockets.

For detailed packaging and marking requirements, refer to the Namibian Standard, which can be purchased from the Namibian Standards Institution (NSI). You can contact their Sales & Information Division at +264 61386400 or via email at sales@nsi.com.na for more information.

Best Practices for Storing Potatoes in Namibia

Optimal Storage Conditions for Storing Potatoes in Namibia

To maintain the quality of storing potatoes in Namibia, it is important to store them in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated environment. Potatoes should be stored at an ambient temperature of 3-5°C. If exposed to light, potatoes will turn green and develop toxins, making them inedible. Therefore, it is crucial to minimize light exposure and only use light when necessary.

Storage Duration for Potatoes in Namibia

Potatoes can be stored for different durations depending on how well they are stored. For short-term storage, potatoes can be kept in pallets for about 4-5 months. However, long-term storage in pallets is not recommended due to poor air circulation, which can lead to rot. If stored properly, potatoes can last for up to 6 months or more, preserving their freshness and quality for the market.