Potato farmers have called on the government to increase the production and accessibility of certified seeds, citing high costs and scarcity that have left many relying on low-quality, uncertified alternatives. Speaking at the Kalro Potato Research Centre in Tigoni, Kiambu County, farmers said these challenges are threatening their yields and income.
Sammy Rotich, a farmer from Kuresoi, Nakuru County, said limited access to certified seeds is affecting their returns. “We are forced to buy uncertified seeds, whose quality is low,” he said, noting that the Kenya Seed and Variety Act also prevents farmers from sharing seeds. Fellow farmer Joseph Rono added that skyrocketing prices of fungicides and fertilizers are further squeezing profits.
In response, Kalro announced a new high-yielding, drought- and disease-resistant potato variety, dubbed IG-70, is in its final verification stage. Kalro director Robert Musyoki said the new seed, developed through rooted apical cutting technology, could yield up to 120 bags per acre and help reduce chemical use and production costs. The seed will be available at Sh4,250 per 50kg bag, but farmers are urging for a price review to improve affordability.
