UNIJOS, Plateau govt battle potato blight disease

The University of Jos (UNIJOS) is partnering with Plateau State Government to tackle potato blight disease that has destroyed over 1000 hectares of Irish potatoes farms in the state this farming season.

Prof Hayward Mafuyai, the Vice- Chancellor of the university, said that the collaboration became imperative in order to fight the scourge which its devastating effect has taken a downturn on Plateau economy. He stated this on Monday while declaring open a one-day stakeholders’ forum on potato production on the Plateau; current challenges and prospect held in the institution.

The VC who was represented by Director, Office of Research and Development (ORD), Prof. Pam Dung Sha said “University of Jos is concerned because of the adverse effect it has brought on the people.

“Farmers are witnessing low yields, consumers are taking poor quality products and the low output has led to reduced supply to domestic and some markets in West African region.”

He reiterated the institution’s commitment to becoming a research intensive university and called on other state governments with the university catchment area to collaborate with the school to find solutions to the problems confronting the country.

Mr Stephen Barko, Plateau Commissioner for Agriculture in his part, said that over 1000 hectares of Potato farms had been attacked by the blight in 2014 out of the 250,000 hectares cultivated annually. Barko lamented that the situation had grown worse after 500 hectares initially ravaged by the disease in Bokkos Local Government when it started manifesting in Plateau.

The commissioner said that state government was also collaborating with the National Seed Council as it was for difficult for it address the scourge alone.

Earlier, ORD Director, Prof. Pam Dung Sha said “at the end of the round table, we expect participants to generate ideas and provide scientific and professional advice to Plateau Government and potato farmers on how address the situation avoid the reoccurrence.

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