Perkerra Irrigation scheme farmers set to benefit from potatoe farming

By Joyce Okuta

Farmers in Marigat sub-county have a reason to smile after the National Irrigation Board (NIB) introduced a new Irish potato variety in the scheme.

Speaking during stakeholders field day on Saturday at  National Irrigation Board model farm, the extension officer Mr. Sila Openda said that they have tested 42 varieties to establish one that could do well in Baringo county which is arid and semi arid area.

“We established that Asante variety can grow well in Perkerra Irrigation scheme,” said Mr. Openda. 

The variety which was obtained from Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) in Tigoni can be rotated with tomatoes and its cost of production is cheaper compared to maize which is commonly grown in the scheme.

He added that Asante variety requires soft soil and takes a short period (3 months) to mature as compared to tomatoes.

However, just like any other crop Irish potatoes can be attacked by pests and diseases such as nematodes and bacterial wilt. This can be controlled by using pesticides.

“We will plant the Irish Potato variety because for a very long time we have been planting maize in the scheme but sometimes the yields are not enough to cater for our needs.” Said Mr. Peter Kachike, a scheme farmer.

The variety will be selected, bulked and sold to farmers at a subsidized price. Farmers are also advised to place their order at KARI Tigoni through the NIB in Marigat.