Esther Maina, a farmer in Mkogodo East ward, Laikipia county, has been cultivating the Unica potato variety for a year, noting its drought resistance, quicker maturity in three months, and higher yield. Maina highlights the variety's suitability for fries, leading to a business venture in chip sales.
Unica potatoes have a longer shelf life of over six months and command a higher market price, with yields potentially reaching 300 90-kg bags per acre. The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) identifies potatoes as Kenya's second most crucial food crop, with around 800,000 small producers.
The International Potato Centre (CIP) notes potatoes were introduced to Africa in the late 1800s, with current production supporting approximately 2.5 million people in the value chain. KALRO and CIP have developed the Unica variety, released in 2016, for its climate resilience and disease resistance. Laikipia's adoption of climate-smart agriculture, including the Unica variety, is increasing potato production, according to Agneta Makutwa, Laikipia project officer with FAO. The Women Economic Empowerment Climate Smart Agriculture project aims to empower women in farming, with initiatives in Laikipia focusing on increased production, technological adoption, and advocacy for women's involvement in agriculture.
Source: the-star.co.ke