In an effort to address a decline in production -as a result of the use of uncertified seeds- a Kenyan potato seed multiplication company in Nakuru is providing certified seeds to farmers throughout the year. The Agrico East Africa Company imports at least 200 to 300 tons of potato seeds from the Netherlands annually, which are multiplied on their farm.
Director Kimoi Moi said the farm is there to fill the gap of shortage of certified seeds. “From my perspective, there is a lack of certified seeds but we are filling the gap. Slowly we are reaching out to the farmer in an effort to make them understand.”
To ensure continuous production and supply of seeds, Agrico East Africa Company plants potatoes under irrigation at its farm in Kabarak. The company has also employed the use of technology among farmers in Nakuru to ensure there is a continuous supply of the seeds in their stores. This year alone, the company covered 110 hectares of potatoes, targeting to get at least 5,000 tons of seeds.
Kimoi said the company decided to come up with the project following the high number of losses farmers in the country were incurring due to lack of quality potato seeds.
A source: https://www.freshplaza.com
