Bayer and Solynta enter the market together with potato seed

A trial field of Solynta. In the field, potatoes are being bred for resistance against the fungus Phytophthora. Photo for illustration. – Photo: Tamara Reijers

The German company Bayer and the Dutch company Solynta are set to jointly market potato seeds in Kenya and India. The companies have signed a collaboration agreement for this purpose. For Bayer, this represents the first step into the global potato market. Solynta specializes in the hybrid breeding of potatoes.

Bayer will distribute new hybrid varieties to the most remote areas in India and East Africa’s Kenya. Cultivating potatoes from seed instead of seed potatoes offers advantages in these areas because seeds are better preserved and more transportable than seed potatoes. Hybrid breeding allows for rapid improvements in potato varieties.

According to Peter Poortinga, CEO of Solynta, the collaboration is an important step in the commercial introduction of potato seeds. For Solynta, this marks the beginning of an extensive commercial presence in both regions. Kenya and India have a growing population and see potatoes as an important crop for their food security. However, small-scale farmers have so far had limited access to quality starting material. It is expected that this will change as good potato varieties become available in seed form.