POTATO FIELD DEMONSTRATIONS INITIATIVE
Potato is the second most important food and cash crop in Kenya after maize. However, its yields per acre in Kenya compared to other progressive African countries like Egypt and South Africa are quite low. Some of the reasons behind the lower yields are; inappropriate use of inputs, use of poor quality seeds and poor agricultural practices by the majority of potato farmers.
In an effort to address this situation and improve potato production in the country, NPCK in partnership with ADC Molo, Agrico EA, CIP, Corteva Agriscience, CropNuts and Yara Fertilizer are conducting field demonstrations in five counties with various farmer groups/cooperatives. Through the demos, farmers will learn the importance of using soil testing services, certified seed potatoes, blended fertilizer, appropriate agrochemicals and apical cuttings. Also, Good Agricultural Practices for potato production will be taught to farmers.
The five counties involved in this initiative are Bomet, Narok, Nyeri, Nyandarua and Uasin Gishu. Specifically, the demo sites are in Bomet Central, Mau-Narok, Kieni East & West, Kinangop, Olkalau and Ainabkoi. The demo activities commenced on 10th April 2020 with collection of soil samples from the sites for analysis by Crop Nuts.Currently planting is ongoing.
On the left a photo showing planting of potato tubers at a site in Bomet while on the right is planting of apical cuttings at the Kinangop site.
