This archive report was first published on 15 October 2019.
KEPHIS, KALRO Promote New Farming Technologies for Potato Farmers ¶
Published on October 15, 2019
The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) have launched a campaign to promote new farming technologies for potato farmers in Kenya.
According to KEPHIS Managing Director, Dr. Esther Kimani, only one percent of potato farmers in the country use official seeds, while the rest rely on recycled seeds from their farms and the informal sector, leading to low production of the crop.
KEPHIS is working with county governments, state agencies, and the private sector to encourage small and large-scale farmers to adopt aeroponics, hydroponics, and stem cutting technologies to produce disease-free potato seeds.
Aeroponics involves growing plants in air or mist without using soil, while hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil but using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent.
KEPHIS and KALRO are promoting these technologies as a way to increase potato production and reduce the incidence of diseases such as bacterial wilt, black leg, and nematodes.
Dr. Kimani noted that the shortage of certified potato seeds has stagnated production at seven tons per hectare, against a potential of 40 tons.
"There is need to invest in the production of certified seed as it fetches great opportunities and profits. Certified seed did not have bacterial wilt, black leg, nematodes or any other diseases," Dr. Kimani said.
KEPHIS and KALRO are also collaborating with county governments and the private sector to provide training and support to farmers who want to adopt these new technologies.
According to General Manager, Quality Assurance at KEPHIS, Simeon Kibet, the Inspectorate has released 46 new potato varieties in the past five years.
"In line with the Big 4 Agenda, potato has been identified as one of the focus crops for nutrition and food security. We want our farmers to adopt new technologies such as stem cutting for potato production," Kibet said.
The top producing potato counties in Kenya are Nyandarua, Nakuru, and Elgeyo Marakwet, with a total production of 1 to 1.4 million tonnes worth Sh30 to Sh40 billion per year.
Small-scale farmers contribute 83 percent of the total production, and the potato sub-sector supports 3.8 million people directly and indirectly, with a worth of over Sh50 billion.
