Nigeria: FG Unveils Five Year National Potato Strategy

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The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has officially launched a five-year National Potato Strategy.

The launch took place in Jos, and during the event, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, revealed that this strategy will be in effect from 2023 to 2028.

Represented by Mr Abdullahi Abubakar, the Director, Department of Agriculture of the ministry, he disclosed that the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s recent directive to boost crop production and aims to ensure sustainable food and nutrition security in the country.

Moreover, it intends to drive the transformation of the Nigerian potato sector into a commercially viable sub-sector within the agricultural value chain and position it as a significant export product.

Dr. Umakhihe noted that twelve states have the potential for commercial potato cultivation, making it an attractive prospect for various stakeholders.

While thanking GIZ, a German organisation for supporting the initiative, the Permanent Secretary equally disclosed that it is supporting the national strategy through its global programmes, Green Innovation Centres for the Agriculture and Food Sector-Nigeria (GIAE), and the International Potato Centre (CIP)

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