Failure by Nakuru farmers to use certified potato seeds is responsible for poor production and disease infection, Kenya Potatoes Farmers Association chairperson Edward Mwamba has said.
Speaking to journalists in Nakuru, Mwamba said majority of farmers in the region use fake seeds and tubers, a practice he said has affected production.
He urged farmers to stop recycling potato tubers, saying the habit has contributed to the increase in diseases. The official further blamed climate change and low rainfall in potato growing areas on low production.
“We want to urge potato farmers to use certified seeds in order to boost production. The Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (Kari) has developed quality varieties of potato seeds and tubers,” he said.
Mwamba indicated that the new varieties will be distributed to farmers in Nakuru at lower prices in a move meant to encourage farming of the crop.
On the same note, Mwamba called on the county administration to help farmers get ready local and foreign markets.
In July, the Nakuru County’s agriculture executive Stanley Chepkwony said the county government would test and release varieties of potato seeds for small-scale farmers.
He said the release was meant to boost potato yields in the county. He urged farmers to contact field extension officers and get certified seeds.