Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State is gaining recognition as the state’s leading hub for potato farming, following a massive harvest recorded this year. Farmers in the area have described the season as one of the best in recent times, with yields far exceeding expectations.
For years, the growth of potatoes in Plateau was greatly affected by a disease known as late blight, which destroyed farms and left many farmers discouraged. However, this year’s farming season witnessed no outbreak of the disease, leading to a significant boost in production.
Amang Katwus Gambo, a farmer and youth leader from Kwatas in Bokkos, expressed his excitement in a recent interview. “This year, we really appreciate God… we see a tremendous harvest that we have never seen before in our lives,” he said. According to him, although the rains started late around May, the absence of late blight made all the difference.
Speaking further, Katwus noted that Kwatas ward enjoyed a peaceful farming season, unlike some parts of Bokkos. “We are peace-loving people… there’s no issue that affected our planting season this year,” he said. However, he mentioned that areas like Mangor and Mushere faced security challenges which affected their productivity.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang has continued to promote Plateau’s locally grown potatoes as a key agricultural asset. He believes that Plateau’s soil and climate are more than suitable for potato production and should be maximized to benefit local farmers.
The governor has emphasized his preference for developing Plateau’s own potato value chain rather than relying on imported Irish seed potatoes. According to Mutfwang, strengthening home-grown solutions will lead to better food security and economic development for the state.
With the current success recorded in Bokkos, more attention is now being drawn to the area as a potential source for expanding potato processing and storage facilities. Stakeholders are calling on the government and private sector to invest in the region.
As Bokkos continues to rise as Plateau’s potatoes hub, local farmers are hopeful that sustained peace and support will help maintain the momentum and position the area as a major contributor to Nigeria’s agricultural growth.
