The future of potato farming is sprouting in Kenya! Dr. Yacouba Diallo, AFSTA Secretary General, and Charles Nyachae recently visited Solynta’s impressive demo trials at Molly Farm in Limuru, Kenya. Under the invite of Mr. Charles Miller, Solynta’s Director and AFSTA Board Member, the AFSTA team witnessed firsthand the pioneering Hybrid True Potato Seed (HTPS) technology.
This innovative approach allows farmers to grow potatoes from actual seeds, drastically cutting down on bulky, disease-prone tubers. Imagine: just 25 grams of HTPS can plant a whole hectare, compared to 2,500 kg of traditional tubers! This means huge savings on transport, storage, and a significant reduction in disease risk.
The demo plots showcased remarkable genetic resistance to diseases like late blight, leading to fewer chemical sprays and more sustainable farming. The team saw firsthand how Solynta’s new varieties, grown side-by-side with local standards, indicated significantly higher yields.
A highlight was observing Solynta’s collaboration with local farmers like Mlango Farm. Their partnership empowers smallholder farmers with training on best agronomic practices, ensuring they maximize the benefits of this game-changing technology.
Solynta, a proud AFSTA member, is truly transforming potato cultivation in Africa, offering pragmatic, sustainable solutions that boost farmer profitability and contribute immensely to food security. A small seed, indeed, making a big difference!
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