REPORT ON AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (ADC) MOLO-

SIRIKWA FARM POTATO VARIETY FIELD DAY ON 8TH SEPTEMBER 2017 HELD AT

SIRIKWA FARM, MOLO

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Executive Summary

The Field day was held at ADC Sirikwa farm in Molo Sub County, Nakuru County. It was

organized by KEPHIS in conjunction with ADC- Molo. The main focus of this field day

was to improve the potato seed variety awareness among the small scale farmers in

Nakuru County and its environs.According to the Ministry of Agriculture there are 52

potatoes seed varieties currently available. The event also provided an opportunity for

industry players to show case the available agricultural technologies which can be

applied to increase yields. Participants of the field day included; Kenya Agricultural and

Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Ministry of Agriculture, Syngenta, National

Potato Council, Yara, Amiran and Egerton University. The speeches from the invited

guests insisted on the need for farmers to embrace new technology in their farms. This

included the use of certified potato seed to increase yields hence improve food security.

The speech from the Guest of Honor particularly insisted on the use of certified seeds to

improve potato yields. The MCF @Egerton students who attended the event had the

opportunity to learn and network with the industry players. Though a lot needs to be

done to spur growth in the potato industry, the field was a step towards the right

direction

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Table of Contents

Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... ii

1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 1

2.0. Exhibitors .................................................................................................................................................. 2

2.1. National Potato Council of Kenya ............................................................................................... 3

2.2. Kenya Agricultural Research and Livestock Organization (KARLO) ................................ 4

2.3. Ministry of Agriculture .................................................................................................................... 5

2.4 Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service ................................................................................... 5

2.5 Egerton University ............................................................................................................................. 6

2.6 Agricultural Development Corporation ..................................................................................... 6

2.7. Other Exhibitors ................................................................................................................................. 7

3.0 Homilies during the field day ............................................................................................................ 8

4.0 Student testimonials ........................................................................................................................... 10

5.0 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................................. 10

ANNEX 1: Attendance Sheet ................................................................................................................... 11

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1.0 Introduction

The ADC Molo- Sirikwa farm, Potato Variety Field day took place on Friday, 8th

September 2017. The farm is located in Sirikwa Ward, Molo Sub County, Nakuru County,

Kenya. The event was organized by Kenya Plant and Health Inspectorate Service

(KEPHIS), Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC),Molo and other stakeholders

such as Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Ministry of

Agriculture, Agro Chemical Companies, Potato Value Chain Project (CARP+) among

others. The purpose of this field day was to give an opportunity to the different players

in the potato value chain to showcase their products and services to the farmers.

Figure 1: Potato farm at Sirikwa

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, potato is the second most important food and

nutrition crop in Kenya after maize. Nyandarua County has the highest production of

potato followed by Nakuru County. Other major producersof potato include; Narok,

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Nyeri, Bomet, West PokotTaita-Taveta, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Trans-Nzoia, Bungoma, Uasin-

Gishu and Kiambu.

Since 2013, breeders from Kenya and Netherlands have released over 52 potato

varieties. These varieties have higher tuber yields, disease resistant and suitable for

various market purposes (crisping and French fries). However, very few farmers are

aware of these varieties. KEPHIS, therefore, in collaboration with seed potato breeders

and agrochemical companies, organized the event to create awareness and showcase

the new improved varieties. The event had targeted over 400 farmers in Nakuru County.

The 15 MasterCard students (Annex 1) were invited through CARP+ project under the

leadership of Prof. A. Kibe to attend and gain knowledge in seed potato production and

overall value chain in Kenya. This knowledge was to help them to develop quality

concept notes for their research projects.

2.0. Exhibitors

Different stakeholders had erected their stands, therefore the students were free to visit

any of the stands to learn and interact with the stakeholders. As discussed below, there

was a lot for the students to learn during the field day.

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Figure 2: LamechAmwine (MCF student) viewing potato seeds varieties

2.1. National Potato Council of Kenya

National Potato Council of Kenya(NPCK) which is a public-private partnership and a

multi stakeholder organization whose responsibility is to help plan, organize and co-

ordinate potato value chain activities and develop the subsector into a robust,

competitive and self-regulatory industry. It draws its synergies from a wide membership

representing all stakeholders and actors in the industry who include: Farmers,

Researchers, Public institutions, Extension providers, seed producers, Traders,

Processors, Regulatory agencies, financial service providers, input providers, Ministry of

Agriculture and other actors and players. They provided information about the various

activities they carry out to promote potato production and value chain.

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Figure 3: GeofreyNgeno viewing potato varieties

2.2. Kenya Agricultural Research and Livestock Organization (KARLO)

Kenya agricultural research and livestock organization (KARLO) an organization aimed at

“generation and promotion of value chains responsive potato technologies for

sustainable livelihoods.” It specializes in seed production and works in partnership with

Syngenta to upscale seed production. There were four varieties of potatoes which were

displayed by KALRO. Sherekea is a variety which matures between 3.5-4 months and its

total yield is 40 to 45 tons per hectare, it is mainly used for boiling, roasting, crisping

and stewing. It has round tubers, red skin and medium depth eyes. Shangi is another

variety which has oval tubers and a cream skin. It also has white flesh and medium deep

eye with pigmentation. It matures after 3months and yields 35 to 40 tons per hectare,

the variety is used for French flies, crisps, roasting, stewing, boiling and mashing. The

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third variety is Dutch Robijn. It is round in shape, pale yellow in color and has a very

good storage capacity. The variety matures after 3.5 months and yields 30tons per

hectare, and this variety is mainly used for crisps. Lastly, Kenya Karibu which is round in

shape, has medium eyes, deep red skin and is resistant to most of potato viruses. This

variety is also of well sprouted tubers.

2.3. Ministry of Agriculture

The students also had the opportunity to visit the stand of ministry of agriculture

(Kuresoi North sub-county) where Mr. Julius Mwangi explained about the new pests in

potatoes and maize. Fall armyworm and potato cyst nematode are the recently

identified pests in Kenya. Mwangi emphasized on identification methods of the maize

fall armyworm and potato cyst nematode. He urged farmers to be doing frequent field

inspection to look for any damages as well as presence of any pest. Fall armyworm

undergoes four stages in its life cycle; egg- larva- pupa – adult. It belongs to moth

family and causes serious damage on leaves, silk as well as the maize tassels.Potato cyst

nematode stays in the soil and damages the roots of potato hence affecting

productivity. The main control of these pests is to plant certified seeds that have high

resistance to pest attack and diseases. They displayed different food products such as

beetroot wine, carrot jam, cow peas, pepino juice, green grams, pepino melon, and

fermented vegetable juice among others. All the products displayed at this stand were

therapeutic and had great nutrient value which is good for health. On this stand, the

students were also asked to register before they could proceed to the other stands.

Ministry of agriculture, Kuresoi North sub-county demonstrated current pests in the

region as well as their remedies.

2.4 Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service

Kenya plant health inspectorate service (KEPHIS), whose major role is to certify seeds

and provide phytosanitary services. Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service exhibited

varieties of crop produces such as potato, bean, wheat, maize. The varieties of potato

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displayed were Kenya Karibu, Tigoni, Shangi, Asante, Kenya Mpya, Sherekea, Dutch

robjin, Mayan Gold, Unica. In the NPCK stand, Mr. Maina issued farmers with potato

variety catalogue 2017. He further explained that Kenya had only 12 potato varieties for

many years until 2012. In 2013, Kenya through KEPHIS and other stakeholders

collaborated with Netherlands and introduced over 52 potato varieties.

2.5 Egerton University

Egerton University, a premier agricultural institution of higher learning based Nakuru

County, Kenya was also represented by the Research and Extension Division. TAGDev

program and CARP+ project materials such as sponsored programmes and

qualifications were also displayed at the Egerton University stand. The university

displayed some of the services offered by the institution. These services include

academic programmes both undergraduate and graduate, research work. One notable

research output was the bean seed variety famously known aschelalangwhich was

developed by the Agro Science Park. The variety is grown 3000-5000m above sea level.

It does well in areas such as Baringo, Bomet, Kericho, Nyadarua, Meru, Kiambu,

Machakos, and Nyeri among others. It matures in 80-100 days after planting, and

resistant to leaf spot diseases.The seed rate is 25 kg per acre and can be intercropped

with other crops especially legumes and maize.

2.6 Agricultural Development Corporation

Agricultural Development Corporation, a government parastatal charged with the duty

to develop the agricultural sector displayed the varieties of potato such as Shangi,

Sherekea, Dutch robijn, Unica, Musica, Ambition, Desiree, Karibu. Some of these varieties

are used for chips, crisps, mashing and boiling. The maturity period of these crops are

between three to six months with high yielding potential.

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Figure 4: MCF students viewing some of the displays at the TAGDev stand

2.7. Other Exhibitors

Kisima which is a private company plays a major role in breeding as well as well

multiplication of seed potato. They displayed a wide range of potato varieties which

help in seed multiplication. Mrs. Munene explained to farmers suitable uses of different

varieties. She said UNICA, Dutch Robin, Challenger and Voyager are suitable for making

chips while Saggita and Taurus are best for crisps. Mrs. Munene pointed out that

Arcostic variety has high resistance to nematodes.

Bayer East Africa an agrochemical companydisplayed their different products which are

used in potato production. Infinito is one of their best products used to control early

and late blight in potatoes. Syngenta displayed their Ridomil product that controls

Downey mildew in potatoes while YARAMila represented the agrochemical companies

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who offer crop protection solutions They also displayed potato fertilizer, which has

different formulations making it suitable during planting, tuber initiation as well as

flowering and bulking.

Suera limited and Gen Biotech limited plays a major role in breeding as well as well

multiplication of seed potato. Irrigation acceleration platform (IAP), Greenserve

Agrisolutions and G-North & Son represented value chain actors who provide

sustainable solution to water needs.

Faida Seeds a private company specialized in production and supply of seeds, animal

feeds among other products displayed maize seed called KH 500-31A and maize seed

that were developed by Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI). It has been tried

successfully in Nakuru, Kakamega, Thika, Nyeri, Kiambu and Machakos among others. It

matures in 120-150 days and drought resistant.

3.0 Homilies during the field day

After the visit to the different stands, the field day was official opened by a

representative from the Ministry of Agriculture who was representing Dr. Willy Bett, the

Chief Guest. The event officially kicked off at around 1330HRS with opening remarks and

speeches by guests but before this there was a commemorative tree planting by the

chief guests. To begin the opening remarks were given by the county administrative

officers including the area Member of County Assembly who welcomed all the guests.

This was followed by entertainment given by women from the area with a kikuyu song

which was in line with the day’s theme; encouraging people to plant potatoes for the

children to learn, Sirikwa secondary school students also entertained the guests with a

Kalenjin folk song.

On the speeches, the Managing Director, ADC started by giving a brief history of the

organization; it was established in 1969 by a white settler. It is located on a 66 ha land,

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and has others farms in Mau Narok. Further, he added that the organization established

a cold storage facility 1979 which has a capacity of storing 3000 tonnes of potatoes this

was supported by the Netherlands Seed Potato Development Project.The Managing

Director also noted that there has been a decrease in availability of land for agriculture

and recently the organization had established Green Houses for seed potatoes to

encourage fast multiplication and ensure improved productivity and quality over small

scale.

The Managing Director KEPHIS Dr. Esther Kimani, in her speech encouraged farmers to

use certified potato seeds. The guest of honor insisted on the need for increased potato

production since it is crucial for ensuring food security in the country. He also

encouraged the use of certified seeds and the need for farmers to try new varieties that

are released since these varieties will remain varieties unless they are used.

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4.0 Student testimonials

The MCF students appreciated the visit to the field work. Here are some of their

sentiments

“The field day has opened my eyes on the great potential the potato has in ensuring our

country is food secure” Mary Nganga- Bsc. Agriculture student

“With this information that i have been able to gather today at this field trip I am able to

develop my research proposal with minimal challenges. Thanks for this opportunity”

John Agbolosoo Atsu- Msc. Agrienterprise student.

“The world cannot suffer from food insecurity yet we have potato which has the ability

to provide food to our population. Today’s field trip has really helped to understand that

indeed the potato crop is a sleeping giant”.Judith Cheruiyot– Msc. Community Studies

and Extension student.

5.0 Conclusion

The field day was indeed useful to the students and farmers in general. Apart from

gaining knowledge they had the opportunity to interact and network with potential

employers in the agricultural sector. The new potato varieties can meet Kenyan market

demand if well embraced. Youths have the potential to set potato enterprises in rural

and urban centers hence contributing to growth of the sector. One percent of potato

farmers use certified seeds with Shangi variety dominating the market. Therefore, I

would recommend for more field days as well as extension services to enlighten farmers

on importance of using certified seeds and introduce more varieties.

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ANNEX 1: Attendance Sheet