Disease resiatant potato seeds for Nakuru #kenya

NAKURU will test and release varieties of potatoe seeds for
small-scale farmers, Agriculture executive Dr Stanely
Chepkwony has said.
Speaking in his office yesterday, Chepkwony said the
county, the Agricultural Development Corporation in Molo
and the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute will provide
seeds to boost yields in the area.
"The seeds that will be released will be resistant to late
blight and other diseases that threaten potatoes in the
county," he said.
Chepkwony said the move will counter the low yields in the
region due to poor and low quality seeds.
He said lack of good potato seeds has made farmers use
those from previous harvests, which lead to accumulation
of pests and diseases.
"This means that farmers use previous produce instead of
seed potato and because of this, there has been an
accumulation of pests and diseases which have reduced the
yields."
Chepkwony said the move will ensure food security.
He urged farmers to get in touch with field extension
officers and get certified seeds.
Chepkwony said farmers are being sensitised on the
standardisation of the new packaging rule of not more than
50kg bags.
"Packaging of the potatoes has been abused. Farmers have
been suffering as a result with brokers raking in all the
profits," he said.
Chepkwony said due to the wastage and losses incurred,
the stakeholders in various potato growing counties have
laid down measures to protect farmers from exploitation by
middlemen.
"The move is aimed at protecting the local farmer from
exploitation by middle men. Those who will be found
violating the law will be prosecuted," he said.