Private companies have been urged to launch a multiplication of Dutch potato seeds in Pakistan with a view to reducing input cost of farmers as well as establishing a vibrant seed industry in the country. The relationship between Pakistani potato growers and Dutch seed producers is ‘decades-old’ and there have been good harvests in the country, especially in Punjab over the years, said Romke Wustman, a Dutch expert, who has over 30 years of experience in potato seed research and production. Talking to a select group of journalists before concluding his visit to Pakistan, Wustman underlined the need for more proactive role of the private sector for provision of quality seed for growers at relatively affordable prices. Instead of importing seed in bulk, he observed, the local private seed companies should come forward and multiply Dutch seed in northern areas.
According to Romke Wustman, over 400 varieties of potato seeds have been registered in the Netherlands and out of about a million tons of potato seeds, 70% are exported to over 80 countries including Pakistan. Highlighting the role of potatoes in ensuring food security in this part of the world, he said potato was the fourth biggest crop of Pakistan in terms of production. “The potato consumption has grown significantly in Pakistan over the last decade and it has the potential to continue the upward trend in years to come.” To further strengthen national food security, Wustman opined that Pakistan would have to adopt modern agricultural technologies especially in terms of seed development for achieving the goal of sustainable production. Source: potatopro.com
