Sustainable Potato Sector Development

Potato may be the staple crop of the future. It is the fourth largest crop in the world after maize, rice, and wheat beating the other staples in terms of productivity and nutrition. Potato has large potential to strengthen nutrition security in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LIMCs). However, potato farmers continue to lack access to quality seed. The SeedNL community, including the Netherlands Potato Organisation (NAO), seeks to improve farmer access to quality seed and work towards sustainable potato seed sector development.

Potato sector in development context

Potato production in LIMCs is characterised by a low-input, low-output model. Average potato yields in Sub-Saharan Africa are around 7–12 tons per hectare, which is far below the potential levels of 30-40 tons per hectare. The lack of quality seed is one of the key factors depressing yields. Moreover, capacity building is required regarding good agricultural practices (like crop rotation), pest and disease control and soil fertility. Meanwhile, demand for potatoes is growing rapidly following urbanisation and population growth. Based on existing market structures, farmers can increase their incomes when increasing productivity in ware potato production. In the future, they may also be able to produce high-value processing potatoes or seed tubers.

Dutch potato sector

The Netherlands is the number one exporter of seed potatoes in the world. Dutch seed potatoes have an excellent reputation worldwide thanks to the strong performance of the private sector and national quality assurance system. The Dutch potato sector is the global frontrunner in variety breeding, scientific research, production, processing, extension, and equipment. Stakeholders in the Dutch potato sector have published a Position Paper outlining their vision on sustainable potato sector development as well as their collaborative strategy to improve potato production and markets in LIMCs. The Dutch potato sector will support coalition building in transforming potato sectors to improve food security, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurship.

Role of SeedNL

Using a Dutch Diamond approach, SeedNL will work closely with the Dutch private sector, public sector, civil society organisations, and knowledge institutes to contribute to potato (seed) sector development. At the same time, SeedNL will coordinate these efforts with international and local counterparts. SeedNL is not an implementation partner but facilitates stakeholders to act: it serves as a network organisation and knowledge hub. The primary aim is to contribute to sustainable development. Simultaneously, activities may contribute to the realisation of the aid and trade agenda of the Netherlands.

Picture references: NAO, Agrico, Solynta and HZPC.

Contributing to nutrition security, stimulating employment and entrepreneurship