Scientists at the National Roots Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) in Nigeria have been tasked to develop more technologies in the area of improved potato varieties’ resistance to bacteria wilt and nematodes, as well as proper management of potato viruses to ensure sustainable food security in the country.
As Marie-Therese Nanlong reports for Vanguard, the call was made last weekend during the Potato Green Field Day held at the Plateau State University, Bokkos where potato farmers were taken through practical demonstration at a multilocational confined field trial.
Explaining the importance of technology in potato production, the Trial Manager, Global Biotech Potato Partnership, GBPP, Kahya Shuaibu whose work involves the Potato Research Programme at the NRCRI, Kuru said such would improve yield, ensure availability, and improve farmers’ economic power among others.
He said, “The greenfield days are normally organized to serve the dual purpose of increasing the adoption of new technologies and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in the target crops, which is expected to result in increased yield and sustainable income for the farmers to improve their livelihoods.
“These events aim to create avenues for farmers, agricultural extension workers, and researchers to share knowledge and experiences among themselves on the interventions being demonstrated and also intended to showcase our research findings.
“Potato late blight is a disease of major importance in many regions of the world where potato is grown. It is a threat to food security in Nigeria. Serious outbreaks of potato late blight have occurred over the years in Nigeria, especially Plateau State, the major producing area in the country. In 2022, about 32,000 hectares of potatoes were destroyed by the diseases in Plateau State.”
Source: Vanguard. Read the full story here
Photo: Credit Vanguard
