Nyandarua
Monday, June 3, 2024
by Sarah Mong’ina
Potato is a starch root tuber vegetable that is consumed as a staple food. Potato farming is the most profitable farming business in Nyandarua County.
The plant has branched stems and leaves consisting of leaflets that are both unequal in size and shape. It grows well in cool highland areas, where the temperature and rainfall are suitable for the plant.
On the first day of Potato International day, James Biringo who was one of the hosts shed some light on varieties of potatoes to the farmers and stake-holders in attendance. He said that there are many varieties but the most common are Shangi potato and Kenya Karibu potato.
Shangi potato variety is unique and has attracted many breeders and experts. It can be identified by its cream-white flesh and is shallow to medium pink eyes. It grows in 90 days thus it can be harvested before it achieves full maturity. This makes it famous for its minimal dormancy because farmers can replant it within three weeks. “
Shangi potato has captured the curiosity of breeding experts because of its very short dormancy. It can be harvested as early as three weeks after planting it and still produce a yield of thirty to forty tons,” he said.
He mentioned that Kenya Karibu is another potato variety. It grows tall, slightly above 1m in height with strong stems and dark green narrow pointed leaves. Flowers a lot and the flowers are pink in color. This potato matures longer that is three to four months, has a smooth red skin and is disease resistant. It’s good for chipping, crisping, boiling and mashing.
“Kenya Karibu potato has a longer latency period compared to other varieties. It grows tall with sturdy stems and dark green narrow pointed leaves. The plant produces many pink flowers and has a red skin. Its quality makes it easy to be mashed, boiled, crisped and chipped,” he mentioned.
He added that potato commercialization can provide farmers with income and a source of economic welfare. Thus farmers should increase market participation, maximize yields and expand production to improve their income levels. This will raise their living standards and provide employment opportunities to other members of society.
“Potato commercialization is important as it gives farmers a way of making an income and improves their economic welfare. This elevates living standards and gives other community members employment opportunities,” he added.
In conclusion as a potato farmer one should not practice this for only subsistence use only. Today’s market has provided avenues for one to make an income from potato farming as they are used for various functions. They are used to make medicine for diabetes, high blood pressure and indigestion. Potatoes also make pancakes, dumplings, soups and salads.