Continuous capacity building of farmers and other players is essential in the potato value chain as new technologies emerge daily and demand for ware potato continues to increase thus need to increase productivity and production. With the support of Agrochemical Association of Kenya (AAK), NPCK has been conducting farmer trainings on safe agrochemical use. The trainings were conducted to farmer groups and cooperatives in the counties of Bungoma, Nakuru, Nandi, Bomet, Narok, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyandarua, Nyeri and Meru. The farmer groups and cooperatives were also trained on the Crops (Irish Potato) 2019 Regulations as well as purchasing of certified seed potato and other inputs through the Viazi Soko digital platform. and the bill before the parliamentary health committee proposing a ban of agrochemicals. During the training farmers also discussed the pros and cons of the bill in parliament which proposes a ban on agrochemical use. No proper stakeholder consultations had been made before coming up with the bill.  It is important to understand the negative impact the bill would have on the potato value chain due to the tropical climatic conditions of the country which increases incidences of pests and diseases infestation.

Photo: Members of KWESTO Cooperative and trainers pose for a photo after a successful training