Potato farmers in Kenya turn to hybrid seeds to combat late blight

Kenya’s potato farmers face a significant threat from late blight, a disease infamous for causing the Irish potato famine. The disease poses a problem from seed tuber production to the market shelves, especially in regions like Kenya where potatoes are a staple. Hybrid True Potato Seeds (HTPS), however, offer a solution to this problem, minimizing the impact of late blight and protecting farmers’ livelihoods.

Solynta and its partners have been providing African farmers with hybrid potato seeds for years, with extensive testing in Kenya, where potatoes are a crucial staple. Farmers are increasingly adopting HTPS to tackle blight, reduce fungicide use, and stabilize yields. Many Kenyan partners, including smallholder farms and co-ops, have seen robust and remarkable yields from their initial potato crop, outperforming typical yields for the season. Notably, Solynta’s potatoes are healthy, providing a reliable option for Kenyan growers.

One partner, Mlango Farm, reported strong results with the latest hybrids resistant to late blight. This farm, one of Kenya’s largest organic farms, saw a successful harvest of healthy, organic potatoes without using pesticides. This success story demonstrates the potential of hybrid breeding to enhance crop resilience against late blight and marks a significant step towards sustainable agriculture in Kenya.

Source: www.solynta.com