German agrochemicals corporation Bayer announced on Monday its agreement to partner with the Dutch potato breeding firm Solynta for the commercialisation and distribution of true potato seeds in Kenya and India.
This partnership signifies Bayer's foray into the international potato market and marks its inaugural collaboration with Solynta, which specialises in the development of hybrid potato varieties.
Bayer's initiative is set to introduce true potato seeds as a substitute for conventional seed tubers. These seeds necessitate merely 25 grams per hectare, in contrast to the 2,500 kg of seed tubers, providing substantial logistical and disease-control benefits.
Bayer plans to utilise its distribution channels in Kenya and India to commercialise Solynta's hybrid potato varieties, focusing on smallholder farmers in isolated regions, according to its statement.
"We expect these true potato seeds to have a positive impact on local communities and on food and nutritional security in Kenya and India," said Frank Terhorst, the head of strategy and sustainability at Bayer's crop science division.
Solynta Chief Executive Officer Peter Poortinga said the true potato seeds are the result of almost two decades of work on hybrid potato breeding technology.
The collaboration aims to address the shortage of high-quality potato starting material in both regions. Kenya, where potato is the second-most important staple crop, faces limited supplies of disease-free seed tubers.
India, the world's second-largest potato market, requires robust varieties adaptable to various climate zones. The financial terms of the agreement were not revealed.
(With inputs from PTI)
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