Mufwang inaugurates Irish potato seedlings multiplication initiative in Plateau
Potato
By Polycarp Auta
Bokkos (Plateau), Dec. 19, 2025 (NAN) Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau on Friday inaugurated a 50-hectare Irish potato multiplication farm in the state.
The farm is located at Butura community of Bokkos Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking at the event, Mufwang said that the move aimed at making improved potato seedlings available to the farmers.
He added that the initiative would also boost potato production and ensure that farmers in the state break even and have value for money.
Mufwang, who said that the state has the potential to produce potatoes in large quantities, added that his administration would support the agriculture sector to thrive.
He explained that imported seedlings that would be reproduced are disease free and weather friendly.
“I cultivated potatoes in my younger days, and I thought that this was all to it, until I began to read, to interact and travel the world.
“I then discovered that we have been scratching the surface, that we have not yet started in the area of potato production.
“Currently our farmers produce 100 bags in one hectare, but this innovation, we will now have 400 bags on a hectare
“So, if we put efforts into this initiative, I tell you the story of Plateau will change,” he said.
The governor said that in the next two years Nigerians would start trooping into Plateau to set up factories for the processing of potatoes.
The governor promised regular training for farmers on planting methods and a mixed cropping system to boost yields.
“Those who will be ready to travel with us on this journey, must be willing to learn new methods; it won’t be business as usual,” he said.
The governor said that the potato tissue laboratory project that started four years ago would be completed in Feb. 2026.
Earlier, Mr Samson Bugama, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, said that the initiative would empower 20,000 potato farmers in the state.
Bugama, who said that the initiative is in tune with the governor’s drive for the agriculture sector, explained that the move would ensure a quantum leap for potato farmers in the state.
The commissioner said that the initiative would make available quality and disease free seedlings to farmers in the state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AZA/YMU
Edited by Yakubu Uba