Potato farmers in Kenya are sounding the alarm over a severe shortage of certified seeds, which they say is hurting production and limiting their earnings. Speaking at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (Kalro) Potato Research Centre in Tigoni, Kiambu County, the farmers urged the government to step up efforts to ensure affordable and accessible certified seeds.
Sammy Rotich, a farmer from Kuresoi in Nakuru County, said the scarcity and high cost of certified seeds have forced many small-scale farmers to resort to uncertified, low-quality alternatives. “We plant potatoes as a business and want good returns, but certified seeds are not readily available,” he said.
The situation is worsened by the Kenya Seed and Variety Act, which prohibits the sale or sharing of uncertified seeds among farmers. Rotich called on the government to conduct grassroots training and extend support through agricultural extension officers. “Most farmers rely on limited knowledge due to a lack of expert guidance,” he said.
Fellow farmer Joseph Rono echoed the concerns, citing the rising cost of fungicides and fertilisers, which, along with seed shortages, are eating into their profits. “Farm inputs have become too expensive, making potato farming less profitable,” he said.
In response, Kalro has developed a new drought- and disease-resistant potato variety, currently referred to as IG-70. According to Kalro director Robert Musyoki, the variety is undergoing final verification and will soon be rolled out to farmers. “Certified seeds are vital for productivity. This new variety will help bridge the gap and improve yields,” he said.
Research centre director Moses Nyongesa explained that the variety was developed in response to farmers’ demand for a high-yielding, resilient seed. Using apical cutting technology a tissue culture method the centre has produced the IG-70, which can yield up to 120 bags per acre under proper crop management.
However, with each 50kg bag priced at Sh4,250, farmers are pleading for price reviews to ensure affordability and broader adoption. Kalro acknowledged that limited resources have hindered large-scale seed production and pledged continued innovation to meet farmers’ needs.
