Minister of state for agriculture and rural development, Mustapha Baba Shehuri has stated that Nigeria will be among the world’s top three potato producing countries by 2025.
This was stated on Thursday by Shehuri at the 1st International Potato Value-Chain and Root Crops Conference and Exhibition held in Jos, Plateau state capital.
The minister said the federal government will ensure there is no food crisis after the COVID-19 crisis.
He added that measures have been taken to mitigate any adverse effect that might escalate food insecurity.
‘It’s a known fact that Nigeria has a comparative advantage in the production of root and tuber crops,” Shehuri said.
“In reality, the country leads in the production of yam, cassava and sweet potatoes in Africa, presently the 7th highest producer of Irish potatoes production. With these types of initiatives, we are on the course to be among the top three world producers by 2025.
“The ministry is also aware of the huge investment opportunities that exist within the Irish potato value chain.”
“In addition, two cottage factories have been constructed at Pankshin and Bokkos local government areas to support processors in the state to address post-harvest losses,” he said.
The minister said these have been done in recognition of Plateau state as the highest producer of Irish potatoes in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.
Shehuri also recognised the efforts of other potato producing states such as Adamawa, Kano, Kaduna, Cross River, among others.