The World Potato Congress recently highlighted the potato's role in addressing global agrifood system challenges, particularly in feeding the growing population. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. of the Philippines underscored the potato's potential as a key carbohydrate source, offering an alternative to rice. Tiu Laurel announced the approval of a potato seed tissue culture program to enhance production within the nation.
André Devaux, associated with the World Potato Congress and the International Potato Center, emphasized the economic and sustainable benefits of potato cultivation for farmers, noting its resilience, high yield, short growing cycle, and minimal carbon footprint. Despite potatoes being consumed by 1.3 billion people globally, their consumption trails behind staples like wheat and rice. Devaux highlighted the dual role of potatoes as both a cash and food crop, crucial in food crisis scenarios.
A collaboration between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Universal Robina Corp. through the Sustainable Potato Program aims to develop reliable seed systems, enhance farmer organization strength, and increase productivity and incomes. This initiative will involve capacity building, training in agricultural best practices, and expansion of production areas in partnership with local potato producers' associations.
Chikelu Mba from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) pointed out the global challenges of hunger, malnutrition, climate change, urbanization, and agricultural pests, advocating for a thorough evaluation of the potato value chain to devise context-specific solutions. The FAO pledges support for developing resilient and sustainable potato value chains.
Source: manilastandard.net