Chile | Roots, Tubers and Bananas Research

2025 Top Agri-food Pioneers: Hugo Campos

Hugo Campos is the Deputy Director General, Science and Innovation at the International Potato Center. Campos emphasizes the second green revolution for roots, tubers and bananas (RTB), and his research has spearheaded the increased awareness, support, and impact of these crops. Known as “survivor crops,” these crops are prim. Campos’s far-reaching impact is best appreciated in the rapid modernization of breeding efforts attained in all RTB crops, the increased genetic gains delivered and honours bestowed upon him, especially in Africa and India. Through establishing the West and East RTB Crops Breeding Networks, encompassing 15 African countries, Campos’s leadership has provided a transformational platform for RTB breeding in sub-Saharan Africa. This accomplishment required diplomacy, tenacity and a contagious, unwavering sense of purpose—providing food security, climate resilience, incomes, and overall improved quality of life to farmers who depend on these crops.