Field day on late blight-resistant potato held
A field day on late blight-resistant 3R-rich potato was organised at the Burihat Regional Agricultural Research Center in Rangpur under the initiative of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI).
The event was held on Friday morning (March 6). Additional Director of the Rangpur Department of Agricultural Extension, Md. Sarizul Islam, attended the programme as the chief guest.
The special guest was Rangpur Regional Director Saniyur Kamesti Md. Hasan E-Mobarak. The event was presided over by Chief Scientific Officer of Rangpur Burihat Regional Agricultural Research Center, Dr. Md. Kamrul Islam.
Among others present were Chief Scientific Officer of Rangpur Regional Agricultural Research Center Dr. Md. Mujahdi-e-Rahman and farmers including Mocha. Morena Begum and Mahubar Rahman, who spoke at the programme.
Late blight is one of the major diseases affecting potato crops. To control the disease, fungicides are often applied 8 to 12 times per season. In 2024, the disease caused extensive damage to potato crops in Bangladesh.
Under a USAID-funded project, this potato line was developed through genetic engineering using three varieties of wild potato, with technical assistance from the University of Michigan. Although USAID support has ended, research on transgenic potatoes is continuing.
Currently, field trials of these transgenic potatoes are being conducted in Rangpur, Gazipur, Moulvibazar, Jessore, Hathazari, and Munshiganj. This year marks the third consecutive year of field trials.
Researchers said the use of this technology will help farmers reduce pesticide use, lower production costs, and minimise negative impacts on the environment.
Farmers attending the event expressed satisfaction with the health and disease resistance of the potato plants displayed in the field. They said the variety could open a new avenue for potato production once it receives approval for commercial cultivation.
Around 60 farmers participated in the programme, along with agricultural scientists, extension workers, and representatives from other departments. During the event, transgenic potato varieties resistant to late blight were exhibited in the field and their characteristics were discussed.
