Potato farming plays a critical role in Kenya’s food security and income generation, especially in counties like Nyandarua, Nakuru, and Meru. Yet, for decades, farmers have struggled with access to clean and certified seed, leading to low yields and vulnerability to diseases. A new innovation – Apical Rooted Cutting (RAC) technology – is changing this narrative.
What is RAC Technology?
RAC technology involves producing potato seedlings from tissue culture plants in controlled environments. These seedlings are then transplanted in greenhouses to generate mini-tubers, which are later multiplied in the field. Unlike conventional methods, RAC is faster, cleaner, and more reliable.
Benefits for Farmers
- Faster Multiplication: RAC can produce thousands of disease-free seedlings within months, compared to years with traditional methods.
- Disease-Free Seed: Since RAC seedlings originate from lab-grown plants, they are free from viruses and bacterial wilt.
- Higher Yields: Farmers using RAC-certified seeds can achieve yields of up to 20–30 tons per hectare, compared to 8–10 tons with uncertified seed.
Adoption in Kenya
Institutions like KALRO, Egerton University, and several private seed companies are leading the adoption of RAC. In counties such as Nyandarua and Nakuru, early adopters have already reported better harvests and increased income.
Challenges
- High Initial Costs: Setting up tissue culture labs and greenhouses requires investment.
- Limited Awareness: Many smallholder farmers still rely on recycled seed due to lack of information.
- Distribution: Scaling RAC seedlings across all potato-growing regions remains a challenge.
Future Outlook
With more partnerships between government, NGOs, and private agribusinesses, RAC technology could become mainstream in the next five years. Training programs and affordable seedlings will be key in ensuring that all Kenyan potato farmers benefit.
Conclusion
Apical Rooted Cutting technology is a game-changer for Kenya’s potato industry. By providing clean seed and boosting productivity, it has the potential to transform farming livelihoods, enhance food security, and strengthen the potato value chain.
