This archive report was first published on 21 August 2021.
On International Potato Day, the Netherlands Embassy in Kenya launched a new potato handbook titled Potato Signals to support Kenyan farmers in improving their potato cultivation and yields.
The handbook, which was launched in Nairobi, is a result of a partnership between the Netherlands Embassy and the Kenyan government to improve potato production in the country.
Speaking during the launch, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Joris van Bommel emphasized the importance of developing new varieties and technologies to make the potato more resilient to climate change.
According to van Bommel, the new book will guide farmers on how to cultivate potatoes using modern methods in a bid to achieve high yields and incomes.
Over 3,000 farmers in Meru County have already benefited from training by the Dutch Government on potato cultivation and seed modification for better yields.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture Prof Hamadi Boga noted that the government's biggest concern is to increase smallholder farmer income, which can only be achieved if they use certified seeds.
Meru County Agriculture Executive Carol Mutiga added that farmers have benefitted greatly through massive training on the best practices, leading to improved production.
