The performance of Irish potato in the highlands
Abstract
Although in the lowlands sweet potato can be ready for harvesting after 3-4 months, it can take very much longer to reach maturity in the highlands. At the limit of cultivation in Simbu Province at about 2600 m a.s.l. (above sea level), the smallholder may have to wait 11-12 months after planting before he can start harvesting his crop. This means that there must be long-term planning for food requirements and a large area of ground must be under cultivation at any one time.
