On Tuesday, March 17th, Ethiopia has intensified efforts to boost potato productivity as a key strategy for ensuring food sovereignty, State Minister of Agriculture Melese Mekonnen said during the opening of a National Potato Research and Development workshop in Addis Ababa.
The event brought together researchers, policymakers, development partners, and government officials to explore innovations in potato cultivation.
Minister Melese highlighted that potatoes offer high yields on small plots in a short growing period, contributing to both food security and industrial inputs. He noted that Ethiopia has the potential to become Africa’s leading potato producer by increasing productivity, developing improved varieties, and integrating the crop into domestic and export markets. The minister also emphasised that enhanced potato production can generate foreign exchange earnings while creating jobs.
Professor Nigussie Dechassa, Director-General of the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, explained that 45 improved potato varieties have been released, yet the full potential of potato cultivation remains untapped. Key challenges include underdeveloped value chains, suboptimal seed systems, limited agronomic practices, and insufficient pest and disease management.
Ireland’s Deputy Head of Mission, Fergal Ryan, underscored Ireland’s experience in commercial agriculture and potato production. He noted Ethiopia’s potato sector could benefit from lessons in high-yield, drought-resistant cultivation practices, stressing the crop’s nutritional value, ease of storage, and income-generating potential for smallholder farmers.
The three-day workshop aims to review past achievements in potato research, facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote innovations in production, seed systems, processing, and marketing. Participants are expected to share experiences and strategies to unlock Ethiopia’s potato potential, bridging the gap between current outputs and achievable yields through science-based interventions.