Kenya: Late-Blight-Resistant Potato Seed for Nakuru

Nakuru will test and release (late blight resistant) varieties of potato seeds for small-scale farmers, Agriculture executive Dr Stanley 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.