Page 128 - JSIF Magazine Approved-v2-web4

Towards The
Development

of an Irish
Potato Seed

Industry

By Vincent Thompson, Agriculture Specialist, JSIF

Background
Jamaica spends more than US$ 4
million annually to import approximately
90% of the Irish Potato seeds that are

planted by farmers. This indicates the high level of dependency the country
has on the international seed market for its sustenance. These seeds are 5-6
years old and are oftentimes carrying diseases that are not visible, resulting
in poor yields when compared with nuclear or first-generation seeds. These
imported 5-6-year old seeds are only available between the months of January
to March which limits the period in which the farmers can plant, resulting in
gluts and shortages.

It is critical that Jamaica develops its own Irish potato seeds. In addition to
ensuring the availability of third-generation seeds all year round, the import
bill (approximately US$1.5 Million) for fresh table potatoes and (approximately
US$18.1 million preliminary 2015 figures) for processed potatoes and chips
would be reduced, thus strengthening Jamaica’s Food Security.

Introduction
In response to a request for assistance in equipping the laboratory operated by
the Christiana Potato Growers, as well as Capacity Building for the laboratory
technologists employed in the In-Vitro propagation, JSIF responded by
broadening the project request to include other stakeholders involved in the In-
Vitro propagation of plants in Jamaica. These entities included: the University
of the West Indies Biotechnology Centre, the Scientific Research Council, the
Northern Caribbean University, the then Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
Bodles Research and Christiana Potato Growers.

Under the Jamaica Social Investment Fund World Bank-Funded Rural
Economic Development Initiative (REDI), the Firm Vervit bvba Belgium, was
recruited to conduct an assessment of selected Jamaican organisations
involved in the In-Vitro production of plants.