Opportunities and Potentials of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.,) Production and Future Prospects in Ethiopia

Abstract

In Ethiopia, potato production has increased during the “Meher” season as a result of improved varieties, being tolerant to major potato disease, late blight especially in the areas of major potato growing regions of the country. The objective of this review is to study the opportunities and potentials of potato production in Ethiopia. Ethiopia has the most potential of potato production because about 70% of the available agricultural land is suitable for potato production. However, the most challenges of potato production in Ethiopia are due to limited knowledge on seed and ware potato production techniques, lack of improved varieties and germplasm for diverse agro-ecologies, shortage of quality and healthy seed tuber/planting material, diseases and insect pests. So, the respective institutions and researchers should have to develop adapted varieties to different agro-ecological zone, high yielding, and resistance to late blight, early maturing with good quality for taste and market preference.