In rural settings, access to knowledge, improved technologies, innovations, and recommended agricultural practices remains a challenge. Dissemination of extension and advisory services to smallholder farmers is critical. To address this, NPCK working with partners usually organizes county demos in various potato-growing counties aiming towards transferring knowledge, technologies, and innovation to smallholder potato farmers. During this year’s long rain season (March–August), NPCK and partners established six demonstration sites in five counties, i.e., Nyandarua, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Meru County.
About 1,000 farmers were trained during this demos on various issues in potato production, which included; available potato varieties, the importance of using certified seed, apical cutting technology, use of potato-specific fertilizers, soil amendments, effective and responsible use of agrochemicals, and good agricultural practices. Partners who participated in the demo include Kirinyaga Seeds Ltd, Freshcrop Ltd, Kevian Kenya Ltd, Corteva Agriscience, Elgon Kenya, Real IPM, Bayer Crop Science, Agribase Bioscience International Ltd, AgRevive, Farmyard International Ltd, ADC Molo, Murphy Chemicals, Nelion Trading Ltd, Eurochem International, Syngenta East Africa, Syngenta Foundation, Biolevel East Africa Ltd, OCP Africa, AAK-Crop Life, CFAO-Baraka Fertilizer, Fanisi Fertilizer, Yara Fertilizer, CGA, and County Government.
Farmers training in Nyandarua demo site (field day)