By YOP PAM
A new variety of potato seed called ‘’Connect Potato’’ has been released in Plateau state for Nigerian farmers.
The Executive Director, National Root Crops Research Institute, Professor CHIEDOZIE EGESI disclosed this at the Jos Horticulture festival 2026 organized by the Plateau State Ministry of Agriculture.
The event also featured the display of variety of fruits and vegetables.
The Jos Horticulture festival 2026 was declared by the Plateau State Ministry of Agriculture to validate its achievements in the green revolution a deliberate initiative of Governor CALEB MUTFWANG.
The Executive Director, National Root Crops Research Institute, Professor CHIEDOZIE EGESI said potatoes and horticultural crops were central to food security, income generation and agro-industrial development.
Plateau State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. SAMSON BUGAMA said the ministry has gone into massive production of seeds to improve yields and livelihood of potato farmers.
He added, the ministry also plans to go into strategic sustainable investment for some key fruits and vegetables which require between ten to fifty million dollars among others.
Netherlands Ambassador to Nigeria, BENGT VAN LOODRECHT expressed commitment of the Dutch government to partner the Plateau state government to introduce a new genetic input of Irish potato seed system.
He applauded the knowledge and resilience of farmers in the state and thanked the state government for the opportunity towards ensuring food sustainability across the country.
Netherlands Agriculture Coordinator for Nigeria and Ghana, INGE TENNIGLO emphasized the need for stakeholders to network to develop the potatoes and horticulture sector in the state.
The World Vegetable Center Regional Director West Africa, Mr. MALIK BACA said the center’s global mandate is to research on vegetables, and plans to set up a research hub in the state to help develop local varieties of vegetables.
Representatives of the National Horticulture SEED Council Nigeria, Mr. FATIU MOHAMMED informed that the Council is poised to ensuring that international standards are met in good seed production
He added that the council is also working assiduously to rid the country of fake seeds and assured that quality seeds would always be available to farmers
Some participants including VIVIAN DAVOU, MANG DAJU and LOISE BEWARANG displayed by-products products of fruits and vegetables produced in the state.
Earlier, The Coordinator, Plateau state Potatoes Value Chain, Dr. Jerry Gushop commended horticulture and potato stakeholders for their commitment and resilience.
He expressed hope that the partnership between the ministry and Netherlands would further strengthen its advancement in Agriculture for mutual benefit.
Stakeholders from across the Potato and Vegetable value chain attended the festival while the Plateau State Cultural troupe was there to add colour to the event.
Edited by Karen Keyen
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