The National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK), in collaboration with Solynta, established four demonstration plots of RAC (True Potato Seed) in Kinangop on 29 August.

The demonstration plots were established in Mwangaza-Kipipiri, Murungaru, Memo and Forester to showcase SOLHY 023, a hybrid true potato variety developed to offer farmers an alternative approach to potato production.

SOLHY 023 is resistant to late blight, one of the major challenges affecting potato production in the region. Its resistance to the disease has the potential to reduce farmers’ reliance on fungicides, lowering production costs while supporting more sustainable potato farming.

The variety also provides farmers with access to clean and disease-free starting material and has the potential to deliver high and stable yields.

Through the demonstration plots, farmers will be trained on the new technology throughout the different stages of crop growth. The learning process will continue during field days, where farmers will have an opportunity to observe the crop and gain practical knowledge on the production of the variety.

The initiative is expected to support the adoption of innovative potato technologies while equipping farmers with the knowledge needed to improve productivity and address some of the challenges affecting potato production.