This archive report was first published on 7 June 2020.
Published on June 7, 2020, the Ministry of Public Service and Gender Affairs has called for more funding to support the clean potato seeds production unit at the Tumaini National Youth Service in Nyandarua County.
The unit, which uses aeroponics technology, has seen a four percent increase in production since its establishment a year ago, but still struggles to meet the high demand for disease-free potato seeds.
Chief Administrative Secretary Rachel Shebesh noted that the project's success would not only benefit farmers but also contribute to the realization of President Uhuru Kenyatta's 'Big Four' agenda in the food security sector.
Shebesh appealed to Members of Parliament to allocate more funds to the project during the next budget-making process, stating that this would go a long way in boosting production of certified potato seeds.
Commanding officer at Tumaini NYS, Kennedy Nyakang'o, emphasized the importance of using certified seeds, which can produce up to 16 tubers per certified tuber, compared to recycled seeds that produce only 3-6 tubers.
Expansion of the unit from its current three greenhouses would enable more farmers to benefit from the project, which aims to address the country's 95 percent gap in certified seeds.
Deputy Governor of Nyandarua County, Celilia Mbuthia, regretted that potato farmers in the county have been struggling with access to certified seeds, leading to low yields and poor agronomic practices.
County Women Representative Faith Gitau attributed poor potato production to low yields and promised to help farmers access clean planting potato seeds through the National Affirmative Action Fund.
