Are you from Plateau State or a lover of Potatoes? I guess you’ve probably heard that Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has made a bold move and he’s renamed what we once called Irish Potatoes to Plateau Potatoes. And why not? These tubers are very much a part of our land just like the hills and mountains. They’re more than just food; but our heritage, economy, and a strong symbol of who we are.
Origin of Plateau Potatoes.
The Plateau Potatoes didn’t pop up in Ireland like the previous name (Irish Potatoes) suggests. Surprised? Take a deep breath because you are about to hear the true tale of these timeless tasty tubers.
The story dated way back in South America’s Andes Mountain, thousands of years ago. The earliest inhabitants of Peru and Bolivia were the very first people who planted them around 8000 BC. These early potatoes were smaller but colorful. They were mostly purple, red, even blue. Yes you heard it right, blue! They were wild plants that grew in the high altitudes. These tubbers only arrived in Europe when Spanish explorers stumbled upon them in the 1500s and took some of the tubers back to Europe. That was how the potato spread fast like wildfire because it was a wonderful tuber, very easy to grow, and doesn’t require too much space to produce a lot.
How the Name “Irish” Came Up. This potato actually hit Ireland around 1589, when a British explorer Sir Walter Raleigh, planted them on his estate there. Ireland’s cold and rainy weather was just perfect for them, just like our climate here in Plateau State. By the 1800s, potatoes became the main food in most Irish families because it was cheap, nutritious, and reliable. Sadly, this act of reliance led to huge hunger and heartbreak. There was a Great Famine in the 1840s when a disease wiped out crops, especially potatoes. This caused some serious starvation and mass migration.
The name “Irish potatoes” was popular in Nigeria and other parts of the world after the famine that affected Ireland. Their history with the crop only made it easier to have the tuber associated with them. And also, it was used to differentiate them from sweet potatoes which were more popular in Nigeria and grown in different parts of the country. However, I feel the previous name was really misleading. These Potatoes have no Irish roots, they’re of South American origin!
How Plateau State Became Africa’s Potatoes Powerhouse These special tubers were first cultivated here in the late 19th century, brought in by European missionaries and miners who saw Jos Plateau as the only perfect spot for the potatoes to grow in the country. By the 1920s and 1940s, serious farming took off, especially in highly elevated areas like Bokkos and Mangu Local Governments. where the high elevation is over 1,200 meters. This high altitude keeps things cool and misty, just like the Andes.
Another reason why Plateau State Became Africa’s Potatoes Powerhouse is our volcanic soils. They are like every farmers’ dream: rich, highly fertile, and so full of life. It’s a known fact that almost any plant in the world could thrive here in every season. Plateau Potatoes are grown in farms during the rainy season and irrigated in the dry seasons. The beautiful climate and highly fertile soil in Plateau State, made this all possible. Planting in ridges to drain water, rotating crops to keep the soil healthy, and harvesting these tubers by hand; are carefully passed down to Generations of families.
Fast forward to today, Governor Caleb Mutfwang in March 2025, during a speech on agriculture and security in the state, he announced the rebranding by stating: “Our advantage in agriculture is God-given. Ninety percent of what we used to call Irish potatoes are produced here. We have renamed it Plateau Potatoes because I think we deserve the exclusive rights in the propagation and production of potatoes. We are making plans to really revolutionize the farming and production and processing of those potatoes in the next three to five years”.
Significance of this Change of Name: Actually, this move by Governor Mutfwang isn’t just change; it’s a strong statement of pride. Plateau State actually produces about 90-95% of all potatoes consumed in Nigeria, so why give the credit to somewhere else? It actually doesn’t sound right. The governor said it himself: “Ninety per cent of what we used to call Irish potatoes is produced here. We have renamed it Plateau Potatoes because I think we deserve the exclusive rights.”
This move by Governor Mutfwang makes perfect sense because it will enable us to finally own our story and rightfully so. Decades after decades, we’ve been the backbone of potato farming in Nigeria, we even export to neighboring African countries like Ghana, Niger, and Chad.
This change of name will really boost our identity, boldly put Plateau State on the African map, and will greatly impact marketing. Picture this , “Plateau Potatoes” on shelves across Africa; fresh, clean, high-quality, and straight from our beautiful state.
The move made by the governor is a smart way of ensuring better prices for our farmers and reminding everyone that Plateau isn’t just beautiful; it’s also very productive. Speaking of beauty, Potatoes are now neatly woven into the fabric of our Plateau heritage like the fine threads in our traditional caps.
In communities like Bokkos, Mangu, and Barkin Ladi, Potato Farming isn’t just labour; it’s a way of life. Kids help out in the fields after school hours, women sell the harvest in our buzzing Plateau Markets, and the elders who are not strong enough to go to the farm aren’t left out, they share their stories of bumper harvests. They recall the fruitful years when the fields were entirely green, and barns filled to the brim with Potatoes. Plateau Potato is truly our heritage: a crop that doesn’t only feed families, but also pays school fees, and brings communities together during festivals.
Now, let’s look at the numbers because they’re actually very impressive:
* Plateau State produces around 960,000 metric tons of potatoes annually, making us the undisputed king of Potato Production in Nigeria. Plateau State is responsible for producing nearly the country’s entire output!
* Even at continent level, Nigeria ranks second among the top producers, with Plateau State clearly leading the charge considering the fact that we produce almost every Potato in Nigeria.
* Globally, we’re also part of the big league the world produces over 370 million tons a year, and our contribution puts us on the map alongside giants like China and India.
However, it’s not just about the quantity; but also the quality. Our potatoes are famous for their big sizes, taste, and durability. In areas like Bokkos, farmers use both the traditional methods and the new high-yield varieties that were introduced by the state government. The cool climate translates fewer pests, and thanks to ancient volcanoes, our soils are very fertile. They pack in nutrients that make our potatoes unbelievably fleshy.
From our Busy Plateau Markets to international exports, Plateau Potatoes are really feeding millions of people. And with recent bumper harvests recorded this year that are shooting down prices and attracting a lot of buyers from different parts of Africa, our economy is truly booming. This is actually a reminder of our state’s magic: high up on the plateau, the land is blessed and it gives generously.
Nutritional Value of Plateau Potatoes
It is important to note that, these aren’t just ordinary veggies. They’re powerhouses of nutrition. For instance, one medium sized Plateau Potato will give you more potassium than a banana. – Plateau Potatoes also help in keeping the blood pressure in check and the muscles strong. They’re loaded with the following vitamins and minerals: i.Vitamin C, to boost the immune system, ii.Vitamin B6 for brain health, and iii. fiber to keep digestion smooth and helps one feel full long after eating. -As antioxidants Plateau Potatoes fight off cell damage. -They’re also naturally low in calories, fat-free, and cholesterol-free. You should eat the skin for extra fiber and minerals like magnesium for strong bones. -Plateau Potatoes can be processed in different forms whether boiled, roasted, or mashed. These precious tubers are both versatile and delicious.
Wake up Call
To everyone in Plateau State: I encourage you to invest in Plateau Potatoes! Farmers, go ahead and grab those high-yield varieties from the government and plant more. To the young people in the state, most especially fresh graduates, I’m urging you to think of agribusiness; it’s no longer old-school farming, with the rise of new technology like drip irrigation that helps in reducing labour and making real profits. And this goes for everyone else, buy and eat more of our local food to support our heritage and our health. Plateau State’s fertile soils are truly a gift; every crop in the world can grow here, but you see potatoes? They’re truly our star. If we all embrace this crop, we’ll together build a more united, stronger, wealthier, healthier, and prouder state. So next time you eat this delicacy, remember: it’s not Irish, it’s Plateau Potatoes —homegrown, heartfelt, and here to stay.