Plateau State could simply be tagged the home of Irish potatoes because of the chilled and favourable weather condition that favours the cultivation of the root crop.
Irish potatoes are grown in commercial quantities in Mangu, and Bokkos Local Government Areas of the state and these two councils of alone have the capacity to feed the entire country and beyond with Irish Potatoes cultivated in commercial quantity from the area.
Other local government areas where Irish potato is grown include Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Jos South and Jos East Local government Areas.
The communities, where the Irish Potatoes markets are situate benefit by way of job creation and employment opportunities for their teeming youths, who participate in the farming, harvesting, bagging and loading into trucks for onward movement to other parts of the country and beyond.
Wheel barrow pushers are also not left out of the business boom as they are often seen moving bags of Irish Potatoes to loading points.
The communities also benefit by collecting revenue from each truck that is transporting the crop to other parts of the country.
If these chains are fully maximized, they can be a great source of income and revenue generation for the people and the state in general.
It is left to be seen how the incoming government can harness these huge potentials.
