Addis ababa: State Minister of Agriculture Melese Mekonnen said effective works have been carried out to support the effort to ensure food sovereignty by enhancing potato productivity through research. A National Potato Research and Development workshop, which brought together researchers, development partners, policy makers, and government officials, opened in Addis Ababa today.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the State Minister stressed that agriculture is crucial for food sovereignty, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings. Potato is playing a key role in Ethiopia as it produces high yields on small land and in a short period of time, contributing to food security and industrial input. Ethiopia has the potential to become the leading potato producer in Africa by significantly changing its productivity and developing improved varieties, Melese noted. The State Minister further said potato production, beyond domestic consumption, is becoming an option for earning foreign exchange, and efforts are being intensified to add value to the product for export.
Ethiopian Institute Agricultural Research Director-General, Professor Nigussie Dechassa, said a lot of research has been done in the Ethiopian potato, releasing 45 varieties. He stated that even though there are numerous technological packages for enhancing potato yield, there is still a significant gap between current production and potential achievements through improved varieties, better seed systems, enhanced agronomic practices, effective pest and disease management, stronger value chains, and improved market access.
Ireland's Deputy Head of Mission, Fergal Ryan, highlighted Ireland's rich experience in cultivating potatoes and other crops. He mentioned that Ireland produces seven times more food than it consumes and has become a major hub for commercial agriculture and food exportation. In Ethiopia, the potato holds significant importance as a crucial food security crop and a source of income for smaller farmers. Ryan emphasized ongoing collaboration with the Ethiopian government to develop the potato as a healthy, high yield, drought-resistant crop.
The three-day workshop aims to review the progress and experiences of potato research and development in Ethiopia over the past years and to facilitate knowledge exchange by sharing research findings, innovations, and good practices in potato production, seed systems, processing, and marketing.