Plateau To Embark on Potato Farming

In order to explore the potential that abound in Plateau State as regards Potato farming and to create employment opportunity for the youth, some potato farmers are set to embark on large scale potato farming and processing in the State.

They will also engage in providing high technical knowhow and input supplies to the industry in terms of equipment leasing and hiring as well as provide storage and processing facilities with the capacity to store 12 metric tons of potatoes and process two tons per hour.

Disclosing the steps taken so far to realize the plans, the Chief Executive Officer, Vicampro Agrochemical Company, Engr. Michael Agbogo explained that Nigeria has what it takes to be the leading potato producer in Africa ahead of Egypt, who is currently the largest potato producing country in Africa.

Agbogo lamented the country’s over-dependence on oil stressing that “the need for food overrides the need for energy; we need to diversify our economy and get serious with agriculture because as the population of the World increases, food and water would become scarce.”

He noted that security of lives and properties as well as cheap, available and sustainable food supply are critical components to having a better World.