J.R Simplot Co’s potatoes fight hunger in Bangladesh, Indonesia

A new line of genetically modified potatoes is being developed by J.R Simplot Co and two Midwest universities. This potato is expected to help fight hunger in Bangladesh and Indonesia. On October 26th, the U.S Agency for International Development awarded a $5.8 million grant to Michigan State University to partner with University of Minnesota and Simplot to develop the biotech Asian potato varieties. Potatoes are a food staple in Bangladesh and Indonesia, but these countries may have trouble growing potatoes due to climate. Simplot hopes to find blight resistance genes in wild potato varieties.These genes will then be introduced in the Asian potato varieties. Source: FreshPlaza