África: Farmers faulted for ‘neglecting’ potato sub-sector
Stakeholders in the potato value chain want joint efforts to rejuvenate the sub-sector in the region, citing neglect by governments and even farmers.
Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF) wants farmers, on one hand, to focus more on Irish potato farming, and East African Community (EAC) governments, on the other, to increase funding to the agriculture sector.The federation’s chief executive Stephen Muchiri says the potato sub-sector has the potential to raise individual household economies and the general GDP of the region.He said increased budgetary allocations will ensure the region’s agricultural produce will compete globally.
In Kenya, the potato sub-sector has an annual turnover of more than Sh50 billion with small-scale farmers being the main growers, although some larger-scale growers specialise in commercial production.“If well managed, potatoes can grow faster and produce higher yields than maize and rice and are suitable for small-scale cultivation and promote responsible land use,” said Muchiri ahead of today’s unveiling of an online portal by the Dutch Embassy in Kenya at the University of Eldoret Agricultural Fair to support the local potato industry realise its full production potential.
The online platform, Potato Value Chain Africa Portal will help local potato farmers to access innovative technologies in the sub-sector, and replicate them to grow the value chain. Netherlands is the largest exporter of seed potato in the world with more than 300 registered varieties.
Source: mediamaxnetwork.co.ke
Fuente: http://www.freshplaza.com/article/146371/EAC-states-Farmers-faulted-for-neglecting-potato-sub-sector
