KENYA – The Kenya Agricultural Livestock and Research Organization (KALRO) has pioneered high-yielding and disease-resistant potato varieties.
KALRO, through its Principal Research Scientist and Director of the KALRO potato research center in Tigoni, Limuru, Moses Nyongesa, underscores the organization’s commitment to driving agricultural transformation.
Nyongesa highlights the pivotal role of innovation in addressing the evolving needs of potato farmers and the broader agricultural sector.
“Our goal is to constantly push the boundaries of innovation and deliver solutions that empower farmers and enrich lives,” he affirms.
The specialized focus on potatoes within Kenya’s agricultural landscape is strategic, given the crop’s potential to bolster food security and economic development.
Nyongesa elucidates on the multifaceted challenges faced by potato farmers, including pest and disease management, access to quality seeds, and market opportunities.
Through collaborative efforts across the agricultural value chain, KALRO endeavors to surmount these challenges through cutting-edge research and sustainable farming practices.
The impact of KALRO’s initiatives is palpable among farmers, as evidenced by the testimony of Philip Njogu, a local potato farmer.
Njogu acknowledges the transformative potential of KALRO’s innovative spirit, particularly in diversifying potato varieties and improving yields.
“Today, I have learnt about the Shangi, Dutch Robijn, Nyayo, and Markies varieties, and how I can plant each of them following the instructions given,” he shares.
Tanzania announces new potato variety registration guidelines
Meanwhile, in Tanzania, the collaboration between the Netherlands Embassy and local stakeholders has marked a significant milestone in promoting potato variety production.
The launch of the potato variety registration guidelines book is hailed as a crucial step towards enhancing food security and prosperity in the country.
Ambassador Wiebe de Boer emphasizes the profound impact of this partnership in attracting investment, ensuring food security, and creating employment opportunities.
Dr. Patrick Ngwediagi, Director General of the Tanzania Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI), underscores the guidelines’ role in facilitating farmers and investors interested in potato production.
The step-by-step guidance provided in the book is poised to streamline the registration process, fostering the growth of the agricultural sector.
As Tanzania embraces these guidelines to promote potato production, the Netherlands Embassy reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with the government, NGOs, and the private sector.
The embassy’s support extends to facilitating research and development initiatives, leveraging market insights to develop new varieties tailored to local needs.
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