This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
Heavy rains in the North Rift region have exacerbated the spread of potato blight, a fungal disease that has been attacking potato crops in the area. The disease, which spreads faster in rainy seasons, has left farmers counting their losses.
Paul Macharia, a 36-year-old potato farmer from Karirikami village in Kuresoi North, is among those affected. His crop was attacked by blight, which has been made worse by the rains. Macharia is using chemicals to contain the disease, but he is worried about the high cost of production following the enactment of the Finance Bill 2018, which raised farm input prices.
“Cold weather has affected the crop after germination,” said Peter Muga, a farmer from Kanjo area in Mau Narok, who has a 10-acre potato farm. Muga is using chemicals to treat his crop, which he sprays every week at a cost of between Sh1,500 and Sh2,000.
Chief Officer of Agriculture in the area Joel Kibet acknowledged that the rains are causing significant damage to the crops. However, he stated that agricultural officers will assess the extent of the destruction and take appropriate action.
“I can’t state acreages destroyed by water. Because of the ongoing rains, farmers may be forced to replant the crops to avoid total loss,” Kibet said.
