Farmer being trained during the KALRO field day

NPCK in collaboration with KALRO Kabete, CIP, and other partners established a potato demonstration plot at KALRO’s farm where various technologies, innovations, and best practices were showcased during the open field day that took place on 8th and 9th December 2022. Other partners, included AgriRevive, Kirinyaga Seeds Limited, Kevian Kenya Limited, Jancota Limited, Organic Fields Limited, JJ Elens Limited, and Corteva Agriscience. The varieties grown were Shangi apical cuttings from Janconta limited, and Java and Ram seed tubers from Kirinyaga and Kevian, respectively. The other varieties grown were Shangi, Wanjiku, and Unica apical cuttings from AgriRevive. The demo was divided into sub-plots, and different fertilizers and agrochemicals were applied. During the field day, the potato crop was at the flowering stage. Over 60 exhibitors participated in the field day, where they showcased their products and services. At the NPCK/CIP stand, participants were trained on various interventions, such as the use of the Viazi Soko digital platform, hand-held decision tool for diagnosing potato blight, and various potato varieties. Over 1,500 farmers participated in the event.