Revolutionary GM Potato Project Yields 300% Increase in Nigerian Agriculture
The first-year trial of Nigeria’s Genetically Modified (GM) Potato Project has concluded, revealing a remarkable 300% yield advantage for the Biotech potatoes over conventional varieties in the country. This significant achievement emerged from trials held in three locations: Kuru and Bokkos in Plateau State and Kusuku in Taraba State, showcasing consistent superiority in yield over the best-performing local variety, especially without fungicide application.
The project operates under the Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership (GBPP), a comprehensive initiative spearheaded by Michigan State University, aiming to commercialize late-blight disease-resistant potatoes in preferred farmer varieties across Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, and Nigeria. Partnering with the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and the International Centre for Potatoes, the project in Nigeria is executed by the National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike.
Dr Charles Amadi, the GBPP Principal Investigator, expressed excitement over the promising results, affirming the significant potential of biotech potatoes to combat the recurring devastation caused by late blight in Nigeria’s potato-growing regions. He highlighted its capacity to elevate yields, safeguard investments for farmers, and secure the livelihoods of those involved in the potato value chain.
Late blight, the most destructive potato disease, has afflicted potato farmers in Jos, Plateau State; Obudu, Cross River State; and Mambila Plateau, Taraba State, for over three decades. In the trial, the biotech potato lines containing the 3R gene from potato wild relatives demonstrated resistance to late blight when compared to non-biotech potatoes, exhibiting robust growth and a complete absence of late blight symptoms on foliage.
Moreover, the modified potatoes mirrored the size and shape of non-biotech potatoes upon harvest. Benefits observed included increased tuber yield, reduced production costs and environmental impact, and the potential to enhance marketability. Farmers involved in the trials lauded the modified variety’s performance, urging swift governmental action to commercialize biotech potatoes, ensuring widespread access to these high-yielding tuber seedlings.
Mrs Rosemary Samson, Chairlady of Kusuku Potatoes Farmers Association in Taraba State, commended the exceptional performance of biotech potatoes, highlighting their superior yield compared to conventional varieties experienced in over two decades of potato farming. Similarly, Genesis Johnson, Chairman of Potato Farmers from Gembu, praised the disease resistance and impressive yields of the biotech potatoes, urging the government to provide access to these varieties for expanded production, increased income, and food security.
The Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership, a collaborative effort across Kenya, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Nigeria, coordinated by Michigan State University and supported by various partners including the National Root Crop Research Institute, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), and International Potato Centre (CIP), is working diligently towards revolutionising potato farming and fortifying agricultural resilience in these regions.
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