NGPU November 19, 2022

Use of quality seed varieties increases potato yields

Written by Mercy Kihugu

The average potato yields increase from the use of good quality seeds ranges from 30 to 50 per cent compared to farmers who use recycled seeds.

To this end, farmers are encouraged to buy certified potato seeds from registered seed producers to increase productivity.

The County Government of Nakuru in partnership with the International Potato Center (CIP) has conducted a Variety Scout (Varscout) digital application and Viazi Soko platform training for extension officers to assist farmers and officers in getting information on potato varieties, markets and availability of inputs among others.

The Varscout application will serve as a tool for farmers, extension officers, agronomists and stakeholders in the potato value chain to know where various varieties of potatoes are being grown across the country.

Viazi Soko platform focuses on the online marketing of Potato related products and services, and information dissemination.

Farmers are encouraged to use technology to help them get easy access to markets through real-time data on market prices, weather forecasts, information on pests, seed varieties and planting techniques

The officers were drawn from Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Bungoma, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyandarua and Meru Counties.