A Sh 110million Irish Potato cooling plant is set to be constructed in Nakuru County. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Peter Munya, said the government in collaboration with partners is expediting the construction works which set to help cushion farmers against post-harvest loss and under pricing during glut.
The project which also includes construction of a grain storage warehouse, will be located in Kuresoi North. The grain storage warehouse will be sited in Njoro. Under the government’s warehouse receipt arrangement small holder farmers will be able to use their farm produce as collateral on low interest loans from local banks and for subsidized farm inputs and implements.
The CS said the facilities will be duly certified to issue receipts to farmers who will use them to secure the loans. Plant researchers at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) are concluding a painstaking exercise of developing new varieties of Irish potatoes that can last long after harvesting, are resistant to diseases and pests and mature faster.
Enhancing productivity and profit
He revealed that the varieties currently under trials will be unveiled in April next year and the State department for Agriculture in collaboration with local Governments of Potato growing Counties will distribute the flagship seeds of the varieties to farmers in the effort to enhance productivity and profit.
Among the 38 varieties of Irish Potatoes developed by KALRO between 1953 and 2017, the Shangi variety is popular with smallholder farmers in the area but growers have lodged complaints about its short shelf life. Growers have asked for a variety that they can store longer awaiting better prices at the market.
Shangi was released in 2015.It takes 3 to 4 months to maturity. The variety matures early, it is highly prolific, cooks fast and its versatile nature in use made it popular with commercial growers. CS Munya encouraged farmers to adopt the new seeds of the new varieties once dissemination begins to improve their yields, earn profit and improve their livelihoods.
