Kenyan stakeholders are closely monitoring the development of new regulations for producing and marketing planting materials for vegetatively propagated crops (VPCs), such as potatoes and sweet potatoes. These regulations will influence who can produce VPC planting material, the potential growth in yields and output, and the varieties that may dominate the market.
Currently, seed potato and sweet potato vines are largely produced, stored, and traded in an unregulated manner. Local exchanges prevail due to the limited travel capability of these planting materials. Only a small percentage of seed potatoes planted in Kenya is certified, although private sector investments are increasing this figure. For sweet potatoes, the certified seed proportion remains low.
The Kenyan government aims to regulate the production and trade of VPC planting material to provide farmers with better seeds, free from pests and diseases, and suited to market demands. This regulation is expected to enhance production, yield, and value for farmers and other value chain participants. Quality assurance is critical for crops like potatoes, where issues like bacterial wilt and potato cyst nematode can cause severe damage.
Following policy amendments in 2016, the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) is tasked with developing detailed regulations for VPC planting materials. This initiative may be unique in Sub-Saharan Africa, where seed regulations typically address general crop characteristics.
Despite existing laws prohibiting the sale of uncertified seed, informal markets and farmer exchanges are prevalent. KEPHIS is defining requirements for VPC planting material production, including registration, sampling, and inspection procedures.
Researchers from the International Potato Center (CIP) and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) are exploring the potential impacts of these regulations on the sector.
Source: CIP