No-nonsense, no-frills potato news stories from around the world
The Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership has achieved promising results in field trials of bio-engineered potatoes with broad-spectrum resistance to late blight. Conducted in Kenya by KALRO, CIP, and AATF, biotech potatoes outyielded conventional varieties by a significant margin, registering 59.7 tons per hectare versus 5.1. These innovations are set to enhance food security and economic stability for smallholder farmers in Africa and Asia.
The humble potato is proving indispensable in Africa’s battle against food insecurity, supported by increased production, innovative processing, and strategic marketing, writes Lukie Pieterse in this article. Key producers like Egypt, Algeria, Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, and Malawi are experiencing significant growth. Initiatives include climate-resilient varieties, better storage, innovation in processing, and enhanced infrastructure. The potato will continue to be a key player in the continent’s quest for food security and economic prosperity.
Potatoes South Africa confirmed there is no shortage of potatoes despite reports of potential scarcity and high prices due to black frost damage in Limpopo. Chief Executive Willie Jacobs noted that varying growth stages mitigated total crop loss, estimating a nationwide supply reduction of 3%. Agbiz economist Wandile Sihlobo also assured continued solid supply, commending farmers’ efforts to mitigate the impact.
Higher prices and shortages of potatoes are anticipated in the coming months in South Africa due to black frost destroying crops in the Limpopo region. M&R Marketing and Potatoes SA confirm the frost killed many potatoes, causing a significant reduction in supply. Consequently, starting in September, the cost of potatoes and frozen chips will increase nationally. Farmers haven’t faced such severe frost in 20 years.
A forthcoming study by Tunisian researchers, set to be published in Frontiers, investigates the long-term impact of saline water irrigation on potato crops in arid regions, using the Spunta variety grown from 2002 to 2020. The research highlights the benefits of strategic irrigation practices, such as effective scheduling in improving yields and reducing soil salinity. The findings of the study are important for enhancing potato production and food security in water-scarce regions.
Skyrocketing potato prices are predicted if water restrictions are enforced on Western Cape farmers in South Africa. The Department of Water and Sanitation proposes a 30% water reduction to maintain ecological stability, potentially cutting potato production by 2100 hectares and quadrupling prices. Economic impacts include job losses and increased food insecurity. Experts call for balanced, sustainable water management.
The Global Biotech Potato Partnership in Nigeria has expanded its field trials of late blight resistant potatoes to three locations: Bokus, Kuru, and Mambilla. These trials aim to gather crucial data on genetically engineered potato varieties developed by CIP and MSU. Led by NRCRI and supported by AATF, the project seeks regulatory approval for general release by early 2026.
KEPHIS has approved three hybrid true potato varieties from Solynta for distribution in Kenya. These varieties, developed via non-GMO hybrid breeding in the Netherlands, include SOLHY007, SOLHY012, and SOLHY015, and are designed to be resilient, economical, and disease-resistant. Solynta’s seeds are easy to store and economical, requiring only 25 grams of seed to plant the same area as 2,500 kilograms of tubers.
The Syngenta Foundation and the International Potato Center teamed up with HZPC to create HCIP210, a potato variety tailored for tropical climates. The public-private partnership known as TAP5. The new variety, developed in under eight years, offers higher yields and better disease resistance compared to older European varieties. HCIP210 meets market requirements with fewer inputs, supporting sustainable agriculture and smallholder farmers in the tropics.
Bayer and Solynta have partnered to introduce true potato seed in Kenya and India, marking Bayer’s entry into the global potato seed market. This innovation allows farmers to use disease-free, durable seeds instead of traditional tubers, significantly reducing costs and improving crop resilience. Bayer will leverage its distribution networks to support smallholder farmers, enhancing food security and sustainability in the regions.
The first episode of ‘Crop Chronicles,’ a podcast by Crop Trust, explores the global significance and history of potatoes. Traveling from the Peruvian Andes to Kenyan farmlands, the podcast discusses the resilience of potatoes, innovative farming techniques, and scientific efforts to preserve potato diversity amid climate challenges. You can listen to the 20 minute long podcast on Spotify.
Branston Ltd, a UK potato supplier, donated £10k to support potato production in Alito, Uganda, enhancing food security and local farmers’ incomes. Alito’s agricultural college educates farmers, supplying students with potato seeds upon graduation. Alongside funding, Branston will construct water lagoons for irrigation and a test site for potato variety and fertilizer trials. Over 100 students and staff participated in the project.
Rainmaker.Earth, a South African-based technology company, is revolutionizing agricultural irrigation by mimicking natural rainfall, improving water and soil quality. Their advanced oxidation process enhances water absorption, reduces runoff, and boosts soil health, benefiting high-demand crops like potatoes. This sustainable approach supports biodiversity, reduces chemical use, and promotes efficient water use. Rainmaker.Earth is expanding globally, offering farmers a sustainable, effective irrigation solution that enhances crop yield and quality.
The International Potato Center, backed by CGIAR, launched a survey to improve food security in the Global South by developing resilient potato varieties. It seeks data from various agricultural stakeholders to tailor breeding programs to regional needs, thus enhancing yield and sustainability. This effort combines market needs analysis, sustainable practice evaluation, and understanding farmer and consumer preferences to address climate impact on food systems.
Potatoes are key for food security and income in Uganda, with demand growing for Dutch varieties favored by the processing industry. Kilimo Kisasa Limited is changing the Ugandan agricultural scene by locally multiplying these desirable varieties, therefore offering a cost-effective and sustainable option for farmers. Through partnerships, Kilimo Kisasa is advancing sustainable practices, enhancing food security, and increasing farmer incomes.
TOMRA Food, a leader in sorting and peeling solutions, has restructured to better serve regional markets globally. The Valencia center is key to their personalized approach, focusing on demonstrations, customer support, training, and after-sales service for EMEA. They are introducing new technologies like Spectrim X to enhance sorting efficiency and return on investment for clients.
Currency devaluation in Egypt has cheapened its potato exports, spiking international market demand but raising domestic supply concerns. Meanwhile, Ukraine experiences a market downturn with rising potato imports, mainly from the EU, lowering local prices. These cases reflect the global potato market’s susceptibility to economic, policy, and trade variables, highlighting the necessity for sustainable agriculture and resilient economic strategies.
Beginning in the 2025 planting season, Nigerian farmers will have access to new late blight-resistant potato varieties, according to Dr. Charles Amadi of NRCRI. This development is part of the USAID-funded GBPP, led by Michigan State University, in collaboration with multiple partners. The varieties promise to address the blight that devastates over 90% of crops in Nigeria.
The World Food Programme and the International Potato Center have renewed their collaboration with a four-year MOU to fight hunger by focusing on research and innovation in nutritious crops. This includes expanding school meals in Kenya to 10 million children and utilizing biofortified foods like Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato. The partnership also emphasizes preventive nutrition and sustainable solutions through strategic alliances and rigorous research.
Kenya’s recent agricultural initiatives include the adoption of genetically modified organisms to address climate change and food security issues. The article by James Kamuye Kataru discusses Kenya’s significant step towards innovation with the introduction of a late blight resistant biotech potato, developed through a collaboration involving KALRO, the International Potato Center, and Michigan State University. This advancement aims to increase farmer incomes, reduce fungicide use, improve crop yields, and set a pioneering example for other agricultural nations.
A study by researchers from Stellenbosch University, financed by Potatoes South Africa, and published in the South African magazine CHIPS, finds that low magnesium levels in potato tubers cause significant moisture loss during storage, especially in sandy soils of the Sandveld and Koue Bokkeveld regions. The research reveals that maintaining a proper magnesium balance is crucial for potato post-harvest quality and provides insight for growers on effective storage and marketing strategies.
PepsiCo Egypt celebrated the fourth harvest of its “She Feeds the World” program, supporting 10,000 female farmers. Launched in 2020, the initiative empowers rural women in agriculture, aligning with pep+ and Egypt 2030 Vision, aiming for self-sufficiency and enhanced living conditions. The program has touched 390,000 lives and promotes economic empowerment and community development. The stories of these resilient women serve as a beacon of inspiration and a call to action for continued progress in the agricultural sector.
Zimbabwe restricts import of potatoes from South Africa due to an outbreak of Pepper ringspot virus (PepRSV). The Ministry of Lands aims to protect the local potato industry. The International Plant Protection Convention issued a notification on the detection of PepRSV in South Africa, warning of potential negative effects on trade and export. Symptoms of PepRSV in potatoes include brown lines, rings, and flecks, with potential economic losses due to quality issues.
The article “Rooted in success: Agrico offers potato irrigation solutions,” spotlights a collaboration between South African potato farm Stephan & Seun and Agrico, an irrigation solutions provider. The partnership, which began in the 1970s, uses Agrico’s advanced technology for efficient water management in potato farming, leading to cost savings and power efficiency. The system’s adaptivity to varying pressure requirements ensures optimal operation even with a change in topography.
Due to the world’s population reaching 8 billion, there is a high demand for food security. The potato could be key in meeting this need. However, its production is declining and methods to increase yield are environmentally damaging. This article by By Prof Lucy Moleleki at the University of Pretoria in South Africa highlights the advantages of crop rotation as an effective, eco-friendly way to control pathogens and optimize yields.
