Farmers sell their potato at Mau Narok trading centre in Njoro, Nakuru county. [Mercy Kahenda]
Farmers have accused county authorities of laxity in implementing the 50-kilogramme potato packaging regulations.
The rules dubbed the Irish Potato Regulations 2019 were introduced last month. The laws stipulate that potatoes be packaged in bags with a maximum weight of 50 kilogrammes.
Brokers were banned from packing potatoes in extended bags in a formula that is exploitative of farmers.
But according to farmers interviewed, brokers are still packing potatoes in extended bags.
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Nancy Waithera, a farmer in Mau Narok, said the brokers purchased the produce in 50-kilogramme bags for Sh500, and re-packaged it in extended bags of 180 kilogrammes.
“It is unfortunate that even after the county promised to implement the potato packaging law, we still have potatoes being packaged in extended bags,” said Ms Waithera.
Agriculture Executive Immaculate Maina said her docket had hired crop inspectors to enforce the regulations.
She said so far 28 inspectors had started work.
