Bayer, Solynta partner to commercialize innovative potato seeds in Kenya and India
NETHERLANDS – Bayer, a global leader in life sciences, has partnered with Dutch true potato seeds company, Solynta, to bring true potato seeds to the agricultural markets of Kenya and India.
This collaboration is set to transform potato farming by introducing a more efficient and disease-resistant method of growing potatoes.
The partnership focuses on the distribution of true potato seeds, a significant innovation in potato farming, because unlike traditional seed tubers, true potato seeds are smaller, cleaner, and disease-free.
Farmers will need only 25 grams of these seeds per hectare, compared to the 2500 kilograms of seed tubers previously required.
“This collaboration is a significant step forward,” said Frank Terhorst, Head of Strategy & Sustainability at Bayer’s Crop Science Division. “We believe true potato seeds will positively impact local communities and enhance food security in Kenya and India.”
Benefits of true potato seeds
True potato seeds offer several advantages over traditional seed tubers. They are less prone to disease, have a longer shelf life, and are easier and cheaper to transport and store.
Additionally, true potato seeds are available year-round and can be bred with beneficial traits such as disease resistance and climate resilience.
Inci Dannenberg, President of Global Vegetable Seeds at Bayer, highlighted the importance of this development.
“The addition of true potato seeds to our portfolio supports smallholder farmers by providing the latest innovations. Our established distribution networks in India and Kenya will ensure these seeds reach growers effectively,” she said.
Transforming local agriculture
Peter Poortinga, CEO of Solynta, emphasized the extensive work behind this innovation. “The true potato seeds are the result of nearly two decades of research on hybrid potato breeding technology at Solynta. Partnering with Bayer will help us introduce these seeds to new markets, creating sustainable potato cropping systems,” he explained.
Joost van Regteren, Chief Commercial Officer at Solynta, pointed out the collaboration’s potential. “We aim to rapidly introduce true potato seeds and demonstrate their effectiveness through field and commercial trials. Partnering with Bayer allows us to expand our commercial presence in Kenya and India,” he stated.
In Kenya, potato is the second most important staple crop. However, local growers face challenges due to a limited supply of quality seed tubers, which often carry diseases.
The introduction of true potato seeds will provide a reliable alternative, helping farmers produce healthier and more abundant crops.
India, the second-largest potato market globally, also stands to benefit significantly. With its diverse climate zones and growing population, the demand for robust and disease-resistant potato varieties is high.
True potato seeds will offer smallholder farmers in India a quality starting material, enhancing their productivity and economic stability.
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Bayer, Solynta partner to commercialize innovative potato seeds in Kenya and India
NETHERLANDS – Bayer, a global leader in life sciences, has partnered with Dutch true potato seeds company, Solynta, to bring true potato seeds to the agricultural markets of Kenya and India.
This collaboration is set to transform potato farming by introducing a more efficient and disease-resistant method of growing potatoes.
The partnership focuses on the distribution of true potato seeds, a significant innovation in potato farming, because unlike traditional seed tubers, true potato seeds are smaller, cleaner, and disease-free.
Farmers will need only 25 grams of these seeds per hectare, compared to the 2500 kilograms of seed tubers previously required.
“This collaboration is a significant step forward,” said Frank Terhorst, Head of Strategy & Sustainability at Bayer’s Crop Science Division. “We believe true potato seeds will positively impact local communities and enhance food security in Kenya and India.”
Benefits of true potato seeds
True potato seeds offer several advantages over traditional seed tubers. They are less prone to disease, have a longer shelf life, and are easier and cheaper to transport and store.
Additionally, true potato seeds are available year-round and can be bred with beneficial traits such as disease resistance and climate resilience.
Inci Dannenberg, President of Global Vegetable Seeds at Bayer, highlighted the importance of this development.
“The addition of true potato seeds to our portfolio supports smallholder farmers by providing the latest innovations. Our established distribution networks in India and Kenya will ensure these seeds reach growers effectively,” she said.
Transforming local agriculture
Peter Poortinga, CEO of Solynta, emphasized the extensive work behind this innovation. “The true potato seeds are the result of nearly two decades of research on hybrid potato breeding technology at Solynta. Partnering with Bayer will help us introduce these seeds to new markets, creating sustainable potato cropping systems,” he explained.
Joost van Regteren, Chief Commercial Officer at Solynta, pointed out the collaboration’s potential. “We aim to rapidly introduce true potato seeds and demonstrate their effectiveness through field and commercial trials. Partnering with Bayer allows us to expand our commercial presence in Kenya and India,” he stated.
In Kenya, potato is the second most important staple crop. However, local growers face challenges due to a limited supply of quality seed tubers, which often carry diseases.
The introduction of true potato seeds will provide a reliable alternative, helping farmers produce healthier and more abundant crops.
India, the second-largest potato market globally, also stands to benefit significantly. With its diverse climate zones and growing population, the demand for robust and disease-resistant potato varieties is high.
True potato seeds will offer smallholder farmers in India a quality starting material, enhancing their productivity and economic stability.
For all the latest fresh produce industry news updates from Africa, the Middle East, and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.