Elgeyo Marakwet County government has partnered with Hanse Agrostore International to boost potato farming in the region.
Speaking during the Ushirika Day celebrations held at Iten grounds, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Cooperatives, Trade, Industrialization, Tourism and Wildlife Robert Kangogo thanked the investor for partnering with the county to catapult the potato sector.
Kangogo said the county has already set aside funds to support cooperative societies which have played an integral role in empowering farmers through their saving culture.
The CEC assured farmers that the county government will provide certified coffee, potato and pyrethrum seeds to improve yield.
Hanse Agrostore International Marketing consultant Chris Ramos said the company has shown interest to invest in Kapchebelel by building a 50 tonnes storage facility to preserve potatoes.
‘‘We intend to build stores in all regions across Elgeyo Marakwet county,’’he said.
Ramos said Kenya has the potential to enhance potato farming by embracing new technologies that save farmers from wasting their farm produce.
He added that with the inception of stores, farmers in potato rich growing regions will be able to preserve their potatoes in the stores and thereafter sell their produce during the dry season.
The investor noted that zero energy specialized machines fitted in stores permit farmers to cut costs in preserving their potatoes without using electricity.
By Alfred Kimosop
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