Bayer and Solynta Join Forces to Revolutionize Potato Farming in Kenya and India

German agrochemicals giant Bayer has partnered with Dutch potato breeding company Solynta to commercialize true potato seeds in Kenya and India. The initiative aims to provide an alternative to traditional seed tubers, offering logistical and disease-control advantages. The partnership will target smallholder farmers to improve food security and crop yields.

German agrochemicals giant Bayer announced on Monday its partnership with Dutch potato breeding company Solynta to commercialize true potato seeds in Kenya and India.

This collaboration marks Bayer's entry into the global potato market and its first joint effort with Solynta, known for its hybrid potato varieties.

According to Bayer, true potato seeds offer a more efficient alternative to traditional seed tubers, requiring only 25 grams per hectare compared to 2,500 kg of seed tubers. This offers significant logistical and disease-control advantages.

Bayer plans to utilize its distribution networks in Kenya and India to market Solynta's hybrid potato varieties, specifically targeting smallholder farmers in remote areas.

'We anticipate that these true potato seeds will positively impact local communities and enhance food security in Kenya and India,' noted Frank Terhorst, Bayer's Crop Science Division Head of Strategy & Sustainability.

Solynta CEO Peter Poortinga highlighted that the true potato seeds are a result of nearly two decades of research on hybrid potato breeding technology.

The collaboration aims to alleviate the shortage of high-quality potato starting material in both regions. In Kenya, where potatoes are the second most important staple crop, there is a critical lack of disease-free seed tubers.

India, the world's second-largest potato market, needs resilient varieties adaptable to diverse climate conditions.

Financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)