Potato harvesting has begun in the Western Division and the government hoping for around $1.7 million worth of potatoes.

Director for Extension Services at the Agriculture Department Uraia Waibuta says farmers are producing results however the cost of production is high.

Waibuta says they are trying to reduce the cost to around 65 to 70 cents a kg so the farmers can compete with the overseas imported potatoes.

He says the price of potatoes in the local supermarkets is around 65 cents to 75 cents a kg and this will continue to challenge the local potato industry.

The Agriculture Department anticipates to harvest about 1,800 tonnes of potatoes by the end of the month.