The National Government has identified food security as one of the key pillars under the big 4 agenda and the Development Policy for 2017-2020. To achieve this, the Government identified potato among the crops selected to facilitate the delivery of the food security pillar. However, the key challenge in achieving the aforementioned is the limited availability of quality seed potato in the potato sub-sector. In this regard, MoALF purposed to increase availability of certified seed potato from the current 6,500 tonnes to at least 12,000 tonnes by 2020. Three National agencies (KEPHIS, KALRO and Ministry of Defense) collaborated and established Aeroponics facility for potato production at NYS Tumaini in Nyandarua which was officially launched February 2019 by Hon Dr. Fred Matiangi. The three Agencies organized for farmer’s field day on 13th December 2019 to showcase the progress of the technology. The field day was well attended. During the event NPCK trained and registered farmers on the Viazi soko digital platform, issued the 2019 potato variety catalogues and engaged with farmer groups on collective inputs/service sourcing and ware potato marketing.
KEPHIS MD, Dr. Esther Kimani showcasing the potato invitro plantlet to some of the key guests at the event
