Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago has appealed to the national government to increase allocations to national crop research and development institutions.
Mandago's appeal comes even as calls for agricultural diversification to avoid cereal reliance, continue.
Speaking during a Potato Field Day at his Cheplaskei farm in Moiben Sub-County on Friday, Mandago said the government needs to invest in crop research and development.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has put food security as among four of his second term priorities.
Lately though, there has been a gospel calling on North Rift farmers to avoid overreliance on maize as a cash crop.
"The national government should increase funds for crop research because farmers need quality seeds," said Mandago.
"We are seriously thinking of shifting to potato and overall diversification, so we shall need certified seeds which are disease resistant,” he added
National Assembly's Agriculture Committee vice chair Emmanuel Wangwe, also reiterated that research companies need to be supported to continue offering good seeds to farmers.
"Agriculture is a sector that should be funded well as it offers a living to Kenyans, especially youth who are graduates but can't get jobs," said Murunga.
About three months ago, Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS) introduced a new potato seed, the Dutch Robjin, and piloted its research at Mandago's farm.
Already, thousands of young farmers along the Moiben River belt are reaping big through irrigated tomato farming.