Low rainfall hitting potato crop yields

POTATO crops are in serious need of rainfall because the continuing dry weather is having a negative impact on early yields, according to IFA National Potato Committee chairman William Monagle.

He said there has been very little rain in the main potato growing areas since May and the lack of moisture in this period, coupled with the extremely wet conditions endured post planting, means that early variety yields are poorer than expected.

Mr Monagle said some growers have been able to address this problem by using irrigation. However, many do not have this option available to them.