KALRO has trained extension officers, lead farmers and students in Laikipia County on Rooted Apical Cuttings technology to increase certified seed potato production, improve yields and strengthen Kenya’s potato value chain.

KALRO Trains Laikipia Farmers and Extension Officers to Expand Certified Seed Potato Production
KALRO experts train extension officers, lead farmers and students in Laikipia County on Rooted Apical Cuttings technology to increase certified seed potato production and strengthen Kenya’s potato value chain.

The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) has intensified efforts to strengthen Kenya’s seed potato sector by training extension officers, lead farmers and students in Laikipia County on the production of high-quality, disease-free seed potatoes using Rooted Apical Cuttings (RACs) technology.

The three-day technical backstopping programme, led by experts from KALRO Tigoni, is part of the organization’s broader strategy to improve access to certified seed potatoes, increase farm productivity and strengthen food and nutrition security through a resilient seed potato value chain.

Speaking during the training, Dr. Susan Otieno, Centre Director at KALRO Tigoni, emphasized the importance of quality seed systems in transforming potato farming.

She said quality seed remains one of the most important factors in increasing potato productivity, improving farmer incomes and strengthening national food security.

The training equipped participants with practical skills in producing disease-free seed potatoes using Rooted Apical Cuttings technology, an innovative propagation method that enables the rapid multiplication of clean planting materials.

KALRO said the extension officers and lead farmers trained during the programme will transfer the knowledge to farming communities across Laikipia County, increasing awareness and adoption of certified seed production technologies.

The organization expects the initiative to improve farmers’ access to quality planting materials, reduce the use of recycled seed and increase potato yields while enhancing the profitability of potato farming.

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The technical programme combined classroom instruction with practical demonstrations covering key areas of modern seed potato production.

Participants received hands-on training in tissue culture techniques, greenhouse management, crop protection, agronomy and seed systems management, enabling them to gain practical experience that can be applied directly in seed multiplication and potato production.

According to KALRO, the multidisciplinary approach ensures participants understand every stage of certified seed production while promoting best practices that improve seed quality and productivity.

The organization said strengthening local technical capacity is essential for expanding certified seed potato production and reducing the shortage of quality planting materials, which remains one of the biggest challenges facing Kenya’s potato industry.

KALRO also noted that the programme supports the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices by promoting efficient seed production technologies capable of delivering healthy planting materials under changing climatic conditions.

Through continued collaboration with county governments, farmers, educational institutions and agricultural stakeholders, KALRO aims to build a sustainable seed potato value chain that supports increased production, improved food security and higher incomes for farming households.

Potatoes remain one of Kenya’s most important food and cash crops, providing livelihoods for hundreds of thousands of farmers while contributing significantly to national food supplies.

Agricultural experts have consistently identified access to certified seed as one of the most effective ways of increasing potato productivity, reducing disease pressure and improving the quality of harvested tubers.

By expanding knowledge on Rooted Apical Cuttings technology and strengthening local capacity in seed multiplication, KALRO is helping lay the foundation for a more competitive, productive and resilient potato sector capable of meeting the country’s growing demand for quality seed and increased food production.

https://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/KALRO-Trains-Laikipia-Farmers-and-Extension-Officers-to-Expand-Certified-Seed-Potato-Production-1024x768.jpghttps://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/KALRO-Trains-Laikipia-Farmers-and-Extension-Officers-to-Expand-Certified-Seed-Potato-Production-150x150.jpgFarmersTrend# Trendingcertified seed potatoes,climate-smart agriculture Kenya,disease-free seed potatoes,Farmers Trend News,food security Kenya,Kalro,KALRO Tigoni,Laikipia agriculture,potato farming Kenya,potato productivity Kenya,potato value chain Kenya,RAC technology,Rooted Apical Cuttings,seed potato production KenyaKALRO has trained extension officers, lead farmers and students in Laikipia County on Rooted Apical Cuttings technology to increase certified seed potato production, improve yields and strengthen Kenya's potato value chain.
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The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) has intensified efforts to strengthen Kenya's seed potato sector by training...New Generation Culture in Agriculture