APPEAL TO PLATEAU STATE GOVERNMENT TO TACKLE POTATO BLIGHT EPIDEMIC AND COMPENSATE FARMERS

I have watched with pity how potato farmers in Jos are narrating their ordeal this planting season.

The perennial potato blight is at its worst onslaught again as farmers count losses considering the cost of farm inputs this year vis a viz fertiliser, potato seedlings and herbicides among others.

One is troubled to ask a few questions:

What has been the effort of the state government in this regard?

Is there any press release identifying with farmers on this issue?

Has government carried out a holistic research to know the triggers of the blight and educated farmers appropriately?

Are we able to lay hands on more resilient potato breeds that can withstand this blight so that farmers get return on investment?

What is the update from the potato tissue culture lab in Bokkos? Are we able to apply genetic technology to birth better potato varieties that will not be vulnerable to this blight?

Has government considered a compensation plan to cushion the effect of these loses on farmers?

Food security is threatened
People are losing capital and farmers are becoming discouraged.

Government exists to solve problems and this is one staring at us.

Those who know and have the ears of the commissioner of agriculture in Plateau state should please tell him to wake up.

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UK-based Nigerian Virologist, Dr. Solomon Chollom Charges Government to Tackle Potato Blight Epidemic and Compensate Farmers