By Banji Ayoola
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture has introduced a new variety of potato to farmers in Ondo State to improve their harvest and standard of living.
This was contained in a statement by the Head Press and Public Relations Unit of Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr. Bolu Ajijo, and sent to The Radiance.
The event which took place at the conference hall of Agricultural Development Project, ADP, in Akure the state capital, provided a veritable opportunity for the developers of this special variety of potato, called Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes (OFSP), and the farmers to interact.
Speaking on the new potato variety, Head, National Root Crops Research Institute Iresi, Osun state, Dr Solomon Afaupe, said the vine is essentially rich in Vitamin ‘ A’ because of its high beta carotene which helps combat Vitamin A deficiency in children and women in addition to its many advantages over the regular varieties.
He told the farmers that the only way they can maximally benefit from this special variety of potato, already in high demand overseas, is to follow the best practices in planting, producing, processing and marketing it.
The tuber crops expert enjoined farmers to approach the cultivation of this special OFSP variety as a business venture which he said is the trend now.
According to Afuape, who heads the institute that developed the OFSP variety, the crop which has already been introduced to six other states in the country during its pilot stage, is doing exceedingly well and can be cultivated at least twice in a year.
On its utilisation and value chain addition, Head, Federal Capital Area Territory of ADP, Mrs Iheona Mary, told the farmers that the crop can be processed into bread, cake, chin-chin, kunnu, orange juice etc.
While declaring the one- day sensitisation programme open, the Programme Manger, Ondo State Agricultural Development Project, ADP, Mr Adeniyan enjoined farmers to take maximal advantage of the opportunity the training offers.
The programme which was put together by the Potatoes Value Chain Desk of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, drew participants all over the state.
High point of the event was the practical demonstration of some of the derivatives from the OFSP to the participants which served as menus.
