Right: CS addressing the farmers and stakeholders              Left: CS at NPCK exhibition

booth.                                 

Government’s Big 4 Agenda activities for the potato industry was disrupted, aggravating food and nutrition security, especially in Counties where the crop is widely grown and consumed. This situation was due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Its mitigation measure resulted in disruptions in potato production, access to quality farm inputs, extension services delivery and reduced markets.

National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK), Government of Kenya and other potato stakeholders remain strongly committed to supporting the potato industry to mitigate these impacts. Among the interventions undertaken, include revitalising Potato Production Project funding by IFAD and GOK. The project aims to support 8,000 potato farmers in Meru, Nyandarua and Elgeyo Marakwet to access quality farm inputs at 60% subsidized prices. Farmers will be supported in extension services on GAPs and access to the market.

The project was organized by Ministry of Agriculture of Agriculture Livestock and Cooperatives (MoALF&C), AFA and County Government of Meru. NPCK participated in the launch of IFAD/GOK Potato project in Meru County. In attendance were KEPHIS, FreshCrop Ltd, Agrico E.A, Kirinyaga Seeds Ltd, CGA, Viazi kings Ltd among others. Cabinet Secretary in charge of MoALF&C, Hon Peter Munya, graced the event.