The Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership organized a stakeholder engagement event to accelerate the development of genetically engineered late blight-resistant potato varieties in Bangladesh.
The event titled "Engaging Stakeholders for Developing Late Blight Resistant Biotech Potato in Bangladesh" aimed at fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, including government representatives, researchers, farmers, and industry leaders, to collectively address the challenges posed by late blight, reads a press release issued on Saturday.
By harnessing biotechnology, the partnership seeks to develop potato varieties that are resilient to this destructive disease while meeting the preferences of local farmers.
Late blight, caused by the pathogen Phytophthora infestans, has been a persistent threat to potato crops worldwide, causing devastating yield losses and impacting food security.
The Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership, managed by Michigan State University, with its Bangladesh partners, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) and Farming Future Bangladesh (FFB), is at the forefront of research and innovation in the quest for sustainable solutions.
David Douches, project director of the Global Biotech Potato Partnership and Professor at Michigan State University, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating: "Our partnership with local and international research institutes is developing a three R (resistance)-gene potato containing genes from wild potato species that have been found to be highly resistant to late blight disease in Bangladesh and other parts of the world. This represents a significant step forward in ensuring food security and economic prosperity for the region."
Ruhul Amin, joint secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture was present in the vent as the chief guest.
He said: “The Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership is a shining example of international collaboration for agricultural innovation. The development of late blight-resistant transgenic potatoes holds immense promise for addressing food security challenges in our country and beyond."
While chairing the event the Director General of BARI, Dr Debasish Sarker said: "In our continuous pursuit of sustainable agriculture, partnerships like GBPP play a vital role. By leveraging biotechnology, we can enhance the resilience of our potato crops, reduce the use of harmful pesticides, and improve the livelihoods of our farmers."
Eminent scientists and experts in the field of agricultural biotechnology and potato production and marketing shared valuable insights for advancements of late blight-resistant potato varieties in Bangladesh.
