Farmers in Githunguri sub-county have been advised to diversify farming and stop the overreliance on maize production.
The call comes after the discovery of Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND) that has led to poor maize production, occasioning huge losses to farmers.
Speaking during a seminar at Waruhiu farm, agricultural officer Moses Kuria told farmers to take up potato farming since MLND and overreliance on maize is causing a competition between humans and animals.
“The disease has left many farmers devastated and facing huge losses. Some have even opted to turn their farms into real estates since it is more profitable than farming,” the officer, who is based training centre, said.
Kuria said that they are adapting to growing maize for animal feeds while potatoes are being grown for human consumption since they are both energy-giving foods.
He also emphasised that weather patterns are no longer predictable, which is why they are advocating for potato farming since the crop takes only 67 days to mature.
He added that potato farming requires small pieces of land unlike maize faming.
The officer, however, said that farmers should not stop planting maize completely since it is a staple food for most families in Kenya.