African agricultural institutes release new climate-resilient potato varieties

Agricultural research organizations in Africa have released several new potato and sweetpotato varieties designed to combat climate stress, disease, and soil acidity.

In Uganda, the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) has approved four new Irish potato varieties: NAROPOT 7, 8, 9, and 10. These varieties are resistant to late blight, tolerate harsh weather, and mature quickly within 90 to 100 days. They offer high yield potential and have undergone consumer palatability testing for use in chips and crisps.

In a broader regional effort, the International Potato Center (CIP) has partnered with national institutes in Ethiopia, Malawi, and Mozambique to release climate-resilient crops.

In Ethiopia, eight potato varieties and three sweetpotato varieties were released to target drought-prone areas and acidic soils. In Malawi, four potato varieties and three orange-fleshed sweetpotato varieties were introduced, focusing on late blight tolerance and processing quality. In Mozambique, five potato varieties were released following evaluations across multiple agro-ecological zones, showing improved resistance to pests and bacterial wilt.