Over Ten Potato Varieties Now in Production, Boosting Mongolia’s Agriculture

The Institute of Plant and Agricultural Science has developed more than 100 crop varieties, localized over 20, and most recently introduced the Darkhan-212 and Darkhan-222 potato varieties into production, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry reported.

Annual Seed Production

Each year, 400-450 tons of super-elite seeds of early-maturing Darkhan-160 and Darkhan-131, and mid-to-late-maturing Darkhan-190 and Darkhan-144 are produced for use in the agricultural sector.

Super-elite seed materials produced annually for use in Mongolia’s agricultural sector.

New and Promising Varieties

• Five new potato varieties have been developed
• Fourteen varieties have been localized
• Sixteen promising varieties are now in production

The institute also provides 80,000-100,000 healthy microtubers annually, accounting for 40 percent of the country’s basic potato seed material. In addition, trials and technologies have been developed for planting bulb onions by seed, reducing costs and easing labor.

Laboratory testing and analysis supporting potato variety selection and seed quality.

Conservation of Rare Plant Genes

Scientists noted that countries are competing to preserve genes of rare and endangered plants for up to 100 years through precise scientific regulation. During a visit by Vice Minister Nyamjav Baasansuren, the institute highlighted the need to study soil fertility and conditions in Mongolia and to establish a laboratory for conserving rare plant seeds in line with international standards.

Seed conservation facilities used to preserve rare and endangered plant genetic resources.

Research Program for Crop Rotation

A research program to improve crop rotation for 2025–2030 has been developed, aiming to advance agriculture on a stronger scientific and research-based foundation.