A potato farmers’ leader has challenged his colleagues to use certified seeds to increase production and reduce the vulnerability of the crop to diseases.
Kenya Potato Farmers Association chairperson Edward Mwamba said the failure by Nakuru farmers to use quality seed had led to a decline in the quality of potatoes produced in the area.
Speaking to journalists in Nakuru, Mwamba noted that a majority of farmers in the region use fake seeds and tubers. He urged farmers to stop recycling potato tubers, saying the practice has contributed to disease.
The official further blamed low production on climate change and low rainfall in potato growing areas.
“We want to urge potato farmers to use certified seeds to boost production,” he said.
Mr Mwamba indicated that the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (Kari) has developed quality varieties of potato seeds and tubers.
He said the new varieties will be distributed to farmers in Nakuru at lower prices to encourage farming of the crop.
On the same note, Mr Mwamba called on the county administration to help farmers get local and foreign markets.