Expect potato shortage and price hikes after black frost hits crops

The icy weather currently being experienced in parts of the country has left a trail of devastation across farms in Limpopo, reports agriculture body TLU SA.

It warns that food shortages could result after black frost caused severe damage for many farmers.

Affected produce includes staples like potatoes and tomatoes, as well as other crops, says TLU SA North chairperson Henk van de Graaf.

Damage to infrastructure like water pipes has also been reported.

"Limpopo is like the potato bag for the country... There's a lot of damage in Levubu area, the Soutpansberg, and also down south-east to the Marble Hall area. The potatoes are destroyed."

"On Sunday we had the first black frost, and then yesterday (Monday) we had another disaster with fires, and last night we had even more black frost than on Sunday."

"Today everything is black and destroyed; that is what the black frost does."

Henk van de Graaf, Chair - TLU SA North

Van de Graaf says they've also heard from other farmers that their pecan and macadamia nuts have been destroyed by either the frost or the fires. Avocados have also been affected.

He warns that consumers can expect a potato shortage resulting in price hikes.

"About two years ago there was a shortage of potatoes (as a result of drought, also too much rain) and the prices went sky-high right through the country, and I'm afraid that's what we're going to see again in a few months.

Henk van de Graaf, Chair - TLU SA North

TLU SA has urged affected farmers to report their damage so that the data can be used to build up a full picture of the situation.