Researchers are seeking to develop new disease- and drought-resistant potato varieties increased to improve supply.
Kenya experiences a shortage of seed with an annual production of 6,700 tonnes against a 30,000 tonnes demand.
Researchers want funding for the development of new disease- and drought-resistant potato varieties increased to improve supply.
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) director for crop systems Lusike Wasilwa said more funding would ease current clean potato seed shortage.
“The sector needs additional funding in research to develop high-yielding and disease resistant varieties. We urge the government to increase allocation for research for the agricultural sector to at least two percent,” he said.
Dr Wasilwa spoke at a potato stakeholders workshop in Nairobi where they mooted the formation of a new action plan to promote clean potato seed production.
Kenya experiences a shortage of seed with an annual production of 6,700 tonnes against a 30,000 tonnes demand.
Fresh Produce Exporters Association of Kenya chief executive Hosea Machuki said more funds would help Kenya realise its production targets.
“To attain increased potato production, Kenya must innovate, mechanise and adopt large-scale production of the tubers,” he said.
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