JUNE
AWARENESS CREATION OF THE VIAZI SOKO PLATFORM GOES TO TAITA TAVETA COUNTY
NPCK in collaboration with CIP trained 18 FPOs representatives in Taita Taveta on Viazi Soko digital platform on 17th June, 2021. The FPOs are expected to train and register their group members to enable them benefit from the services offered through the platform. The platform provides an efficient way of sourcing and procuring quality farm inputs such as certified seeds, fertilizer, agrochemicals and services such as soil testing, mechanization, spray services, marketing information and E-extension. This is also used to help link farmers to market outlets.
Participants during the training on Viazi Soko Digital Platform
TRAINING OF HSP ON POST-HARVEST MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING OF POTATO IN 5 COUNTIES.
National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK) and Cereal Growers Association (CGA) through Farm to Market Alliance (FtMA) organised trainings for Harvester Service Provider. The trainings was done in 5 major potato producing (Narok, Nakuru, Nyandarua, Elgeyo Marakwet and Meru) counties from 21st June 2021 to 30th June 2021. The Harvester Service Providers (HSP) were trained on pre-harvest and post-harvest management practices and marketing with the main objective of advocating the adoption good practices to reduce losses in potato sub sector. The trained HSPs were expected to train members of their groups they represent.
A photo of NPCK, CGA and HSPs members after training in Keringet, Nakuru County.
JULY
FARMERS’ EXCHANGE VISIT TO KINANGOP FRIES LTD
NPCK in partnership with IFDC organized for potato farmers’ exchange visit to Kinangop fries limited. The farmer groups are being supported by NPCK to access good markets for their produce. Through the interactive session with the processor, farmers were enlightened on the quality, preferred sizes and potato varieties required by the processors and other off takers. The groups sealed a deal with the processing company to supply quality potatoes this season and the subsequent seasons. In attendance were NPCK, 30 farmer groups’ reps and Kinangop fries limited.
Farmers, NPCK and the Kinangop Fries discussion session
AUGUST
TRAINING OF FSC AND FSP IN NYANDARUA AND NAKURU COUNTY ON VIAZI SOKO DIGITAL PLATFORM
On 5th August 2021, NPCK in partnership with IFDC and CGA through Farm to Market Alliance (FtMA) organized training of Farm Service Provider and Farm Service Centre on Viazi Soko Digital Platform and business opportunities creation on 5th and 6th August 2021 in Nyandarua County and Nakuru County respectively. The trained FSPs and FSCs were expected to train the farmers on the platform use and support in aggregation and ordering of inputs, scout for ware potato ready for harvesting and provision of farm services such as soil testing, spraying and mechanization. FSP are trained youth farmers on soil testing, spray services, scouting and aggregating ware potato for marketing and farm input demand. FSC are trained farmers to operate farm service centres for supporting farmers in extension services, access to inputs and market.
A photo of FSC and FSP being trained on Viazisoko digital platform in Nyandarua County