During the long rains season from April to August 2024, NPCK, in collaboration with Kisima Farm, IPM Potato Group, Agrico PSA, FreshCrop Ltd, Solynta HPTS, Elgon Kenya, Bayer, Syngenta, Corteva, Lachlan, OCP, Yara, Chiromo Fertilizer Ltd, Ayedos Group Ltd, Biolevel, KPluss, CGA, Syngenta Foundation, Agribase, , Lanyuak Cooperative Society, Ainabkoi farmers’ cooperative, KALRO, HZPC, The Real IPM, Wedgehut, Viazi Kings, EABCL, and MOALD, established eight demonstration sites across eight potato-growing counties: Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Meru, Nyandarua, Elgeyo Marakwet, Bungoma, Narok, and Nyeri. These demonstrations aimed to showcase various technologies, including the use of certified seeds of different potato varieties, recommended potato-specific fertilizers, effective crop nutrition, and good agricultural practices. Potato farm demonstrations serve as a highly effective platform for promoting the potato industry by connecting small-scale farmers with key stakeholders. These demonstrations create an interactive learning environment where farmers can engage with input providers, including seed, fertilizer, and agrochemical suppliers, as well as processors and various actors within the potato value chain. During the field days, farmers were also trained on the Viazisoko Digital Platform.
Farm demos play a crucial role in facilitating farmer-to-farmer learning, knowledge creation, education and training opportunities, the demonstration of new technologies and innovations, and networking, all of which enhance farmers’ awareness and capabilities.
One of the primary challenges face is accessing partners in the irrigation sector who utilize green energy solutions, such as solar energy, as well as mechanization technologies. This situation highlights a crucial opportunity for stakeholders in these sectors to collaborate and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.
By partnering with us, organizations can help smallholder farmers adopt innovative irrigation techniques that are both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Solar-powered irrigation systems can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower operational costs, and enhance water management, ultimately leading to increased crop yields.
Furthermore, integrating mechanization into farming practices can improve efficiency and productivity. Access to modern machinery can help farmers cultivate, plant, and harvest their crops more effectively, reducing labor costs and time spent on manual tasks.
