Africa releases new potato, sweetpotato varieties to fight climate stress, disease
The varieties combine yield potential, late blight tolerance, large tuber size, and processing quality.
AFRICA – The International Potato Centre, together with national agricultural research partners in Ethiopia, Malawi, and Mozambique, has released new potato and sweetpotato varieties targeting climate stress, disease pressure, and market requirements across different growing environments.
In Ethiopia, the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, regional agricultural research institutes, and CIP released eight potato varieties in 2026. The varieties target drought-prone areas, acidic soils, irrigation systems, and processing markets.
For instance, Beri and Midekisa recorded the highest yields, reaching up to 53 and 50 tons per hectare, respectively, under favourable conditions. Other varieties produced between 32 and 45 tons per hectare.
The partnership also released three sweetpotato varieties, including two orange-fleshed types yielding up to 47.6 tons per hectare for areas with variable rainfall in eastern Ethiopia, and one drought-tolerant white-fleshed variety.
On the other hand, in Malawi, the Department of Agricultural Research Services and CIP released four potato varieties, Chikweza, Nyonga, Kadzutsa, and Kapenu, through participatory variety selection.
The varieties combine yield potential, late blight tolerance, large tuber size, and processing quality. Three orange-fleshed sweetpotato varieties, Mlelambumba, Chitete, and Katswiri, were also released, with potential yields of 29 to 36 tons per hectare.
Meanwhile, in Mozambique, the Agricultural Research Institute of Mozambique and CIP released five potato varieties evaluated across multiple agro-ecological zones with more than 500 farmers. The varieties produced between 22 and 42 tons per hectare and showed improved resistance to pests and diseases, particularly bacterial wilt.
More importantly, the new crop varieties address climate and disease challenges through drought tolerance, resistance to bacterial wilt and late blight, adaptability to acidic soils, suitability for different growing environments, and improved yield stability under variable conditions.
CIP Regional Director for Africa Dr. Joyce Maru says the focus is on developing varieties that address current production constraints while meeting farmer and market requirements. The releases also create opportunities across seed production, processing, trading, transport, and food manufacturing value chains.
Lastly, this partnership reflects a long-term commitment to sustainable root and tuber innovation across the African continent. These advancements are expected to strengthen the entire agricultural value chain, creating new opportunities in food manufacturing and trade while enhancing food security and bolstering local economies.
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