KENYA – Solynta’s innovative hybrid true potato seed varieties have been officially approved for commercial distribution in Kenya by the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS).
This milestone marks a significant advancement in potato farming for the region.
The approved potato varieties—SOLHY007, SOLHY012, and SOLHY015—will soon be available across Kenya. Developed in the Netherlands using non-GMO hybrid breeding technology, these seeds promise to provide a more reliable, economical, and resilient option for farmers.
One notable variety contains multiple resistant genes to combat late blight, a severe potato disease that has historically hampered growers’ yields.
Kenyan farmers have long struggled with limited access to sufficient clean starting material for their crops. Solynta’s true potato seeds offer a viable solution to this problem.
Unlike traditional seed tubers, these seeds are disease-free, easy to store, and significantly more economical. With just 25 grams of seed, farmers can plant the same area that would traditionally require 2,500 kilograms of tubers.
Wachira Kaguongo, chief executive of the National Potato Council of Kenya, highlighted the potential impact of this development: “We are excited to welcome the latest seed solution to Kenyan potato farmers.”
“This technology provides farmers with answers to many seed challenges, ensuring stability and growth. We remain dedicated to further supporting the entire potato value chain in Kenya and contributing to a more secure and prosperous future for the nation.”
Solynta has been working with African farmers, distributors, and major processing companies for years to bring these hybrid potatoes to more regions.
Their efforts have included rigorous field testing across the continent, in countries such as Egypt, Namibia, and South Africa.
Peter Poortinga, CEO of Solynta, expressed his enthusiasm: “The due diligence of the National Potato Council of Kenya in evaluating our varieties means that Kenyan potato growers can trust hybrid potatoes and true potato seeds.”
“We look forward to helping farmers explore how this system can help them feed their communities, stabilize their crop yields, and expand Kenya’s agricultural trade footprint.”
Charles Miller, director of strategic alliances at Solynta, praised Kenya’s efforts to provide farmers with quality seeds.
“Kenya has a forward-thinking approach to crop innovation. Regulators are intent on increasing farmers’ access to quality seeds while also considering the best interests of farmers and consumers,” he said.
“We are excited to see that, as part of this mission, our hybrid true potato seed varieties have been approved for commercial use. We look forward to expanding our work here and helping grow potato production in Kenya with our seeds.”
This approval comes shortly after Solynta partnered with Bayer to bring true potato seeds to the agricultural markets of Kenya and India. This collaboration aims to introduce a more efficient and disease-resistant method of growing potatoes.
Frank Terhorst, Head of Strategy & Sustainability at Bayer’s Crop Science Division, remarked, “This collaboration is a significant step forward. We believe true potato seeds will positively impact local communities and enhance food security in Kenya and India.”
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