To facilitate the production of potatoes and sustain the value chain of production as well as address the challenges experienced in mass production, stakeholders from around the world will be meeting in the forthcoming maiden edition of the International Potato Value Chain Conference.
Organisers of the conference made this known in a statement signed by the Managing Director of ABG Paulas, Ambros Okojie.
According to the Whistler, the conference which will take place in November is to provide support for the government of Plateau State a state which is known for mass production of both Irish and sweet potatoes so they can succeed in promoting the broad-based economic empowerment of local farmers who are involved in the cultivation of potatoes and other root crops.
At the meeting will be some of the best brains of the Nigerian agricultural sector discussing the solutions to impediments of the potato value chain.
It was noted that potato farming in Nigeria was still at the level of subsistence farming due to lack of innovation and the absence of mechanised farming methods. It will be a three-day event. It has been endorsed by Plateau State government, the African Union and the German Agribusiness Alliance.
The Organisers said that the introduction of modern methods of mass production and preservation of Potato would grow the finances of the farmers as well as improve yields.
Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, is expected to declare the exhibition open, with the Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, presiding as chief host.
The organisers explained the talk-shop participants would appraise and recommend the best global practices on how to improve the value chain of Potato and other root crops, using cotton age process technology.