Potato Research Programme is one of the seven crop-based programmes at the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike. The Programme is situated at the highlands of Plateau state, Nigeria. Although potato has been cultivated in Nigeria for decades, particularly in the highland regions, active and coordinated research on the crop commenced in the early 1980s when it was formally integrated into the Institute’s mandate for the improvement of root and tuber crops. Prior to this period, potato was largely regarded as a temperate crop with limited adaptability to Nigerian conditions, and its production was constrained by a lack of improved varieties, poor seed tuber quality, and high susceptibility to diseases in the fields and storage.

With sustained research efforts over the years, there has been a remarkable transformation in potato cultivation, significantly contributing to the diversification of Nigeria’s agricultural economy, food security, and rural livelihoods. The crop is now recognized as a vital food and industrial crop, with growing demand from the fast-food industry, households, and processors.

The Programme has the national mandate of genetic improvement of potato, production of improved agronomic packages that will sustain high yield, formulation of disease and pest management strategies, development of post-harvest technologies, and the extension of findings to end users through established channels

HIGHLIGHTS OF RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS:

1. Release of four (4) new improved potato varieties with high yield potential, adaptability to the Nigerian agro-ecologies, and desirable culinary and processing qualities.
2. Development of potato varieties with tolerance to late blight (Phytophthora infestans), the most devastating disease of potato, through conventional breeding and participatory variety selection.
3. Introduction and evaluation of over 50 exotic potato genotypes from international partners for local adaptability and selection of elite lines.
4. Establishment of a robust germplasm collection of potato accessions, serving as a genetic resource for breeding programmes.
5. Development of rapid multiplication techniques using tissue culture and rooted apical culture for the production of high-quality, disease-free seed tubers.
6. Development of improved agronomic packages, including optimum plant density, fertilizer recommendations, and weed management strategies for higher yield per unit area.
7. Development of dry-season potato production techniques using different irrigation techniques, enabling year-round production and ensuring a steady supply of fresh potatoes to the market.
8. Development of improved post-harvest storage technologies, including diffused light storage (DLS) structures, which reduce post-harvest losses and extend tuber shelf life by up to 60%.
9. Development of various value-added products from potato, including potato starch, crisps, flour, and other processed forms, thereby creating market opportunities and reducing post-harvest waste.
10. Capacity building of farmers, extension agents, and youth through training programmes on improved potato production, seed multiplication, and post-harvest handling.
11. Development of weed control measures and appropriate fertilizer rates for sustainable potato production in different agro-ecological zones.

Goals/Projection of Research Programme

The Potato Programme has the major focus on creating wealth, improving nutrition, and enhancing food security in Nigeria through the following interventions:

1. The release of proven, high-yielding, and disease-tolerant potato varieties that meet farmers’ preferences and different market segment demands is being intensified. The availability of improved varieties will reduce reliance on expensive imported seed tubers and boost local production.
2. The challenges of seed tuber availability and quality are currently being addressed through the scaling up of tissue culture and rooted apical culture technologies for rapid seed multiplication. It is expected that with current efforts, Nigeria will achieve significant reduction in seed tuber importation.
3. Pest and disease incidence remains a major constraint to potato production. Major intervention is through the development and release of varieties with durable resistance to late blight and bacterial wilt, alongside the promotion of integrated disease management practices.
4. The programme intends to strengthen the potato value chain, which will create entrepreneurship, improve the income of rural farmers, and generate employment for youths and women. Awareness creation, market linkage activities, and private-sector partnerships will be focal points.
5. Research into appropriate storage technologies is ongoing, with the aim of reducing post-harvest losses and ensuring a steady supply of quality potatoes for both fresh consumption and processing throughout the year.
6. Development of sustainable production packages, including climate-smart agronomic practices, organic and inorganic fertilizer use efficiency, and water management strategies, to ensure environmental sustainability and increased productivity.
7. Documentation and synthesis of published research articles on potato in Nigeria to guide policy formulation and future research directions.

COLLABORATING INSTITUTIONS:

• International Potato Center (CIP), Peru
• Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), Abuja
• Agricultural Development Programmes (ADPs) of States
• National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC)
• Sahel Consulting Agriculture and Nutrition Services
• Netherlands Embassy on Potato Business
• Potato Farmers Association of Nigeria (POFAN)
• Potato Growers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (POGMAN)
• Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)
• National Potato Value Chain.
• Private sector processors and agro-allied industries