Potato project to unlock potential of crop in Western

Hassan Were (in red) plant pathologist at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology explain to Lesley Torrance from St. Andrews at United Kingdom University the Asante gynotype of Irish potatoes at Sangalo institute of science and technology during quikgro potato project evaluation of potato population earliness, heart and virus tolerance. 60 new gynotypes of potatoes were established and the county government of Bungoma has given out the seeds to 22 words to grow. [Duncan Ocholla, Standard]

The introduction of early maturing, disease and heat resistant Irish potato variety at Sang’alo Institute of Science and Technology could unlock the potential of potato farming in Western, a region hitherto dominated by sugarcane and maize farming.

Prof Hassan Were, a plant pathologist at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, said the new Irish potato variety being tried in low land areas is unique and will strengthen potato production systems of small-holder farmers because of its early maturity.