Digital Sub-sector participants
A digital subsector networking session was held on 2nd December 2021 at Serena Hotel where NPCK showcased Viazi soko digital platform. The NPCK Viazisoko Digital Platform is a Web-based portal, Mobile App and USSD platform developed by The National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK) and Partners with a focus for online marketing of Potato related products and services, and information dissemination.
The platform provides an efficient way for accessing quality Farm Inputs and services such as Certified Seeds, Potato-Specific Fertilizer, Approved Agrochemicals, Spray Services, Soil Testing and Mechanization Services among other services. It is also helps link farmers to market outlets.
Through the USSD Service, farmers are able to Query and receive instant response on availability of Seeds and other specific farm inputs and services required for potato production. In addition, the Web based portal and Mobile based App enables the farmers to place orders and book for Seeds, receive Accurate Weather Forecast, Extension Services on GAPs, Pest and Disease advisory services and other services geared to improve potato productivity and profitability.
The main discussions during the meeting mainly focused on commercial aspect of rapidly growing technologies in agriculture sector. They focused on satellite imagery to pinpoint plant yields and possible areas where natural factors may reduce plant production and use of drone especially in large farms. Members present in the luncheon included; NPCK, ASNET, Airbus agriculture services, ITK France, e-tumbo, Kuza, Astral aviator, Aerocopter, CASK.
