The NPCK (National Potato Council of Kenya) and its partners hosted the 6th National Potato Conference on May 30th and 31st, 2023, at the KALRO HQ Loresho. This remarkable event brought together over 800 participants from various facets of the potato value chain, including farmers, government representatives, off-takers, regulatory agencies, seed producers, agrochemical companies, and service providers. It served as a platform for networking, showcasing innovations, and exchanging insights on critical potato-related topics, technologies, and advancements.
A Flourishing Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
The conference featured 30 stakeholders who seized the opportunity to exhibit their innovations, products, and services. More than just a gathering of industry professionals, this event coincided with the celebration of International Potato Day, an initiative declared by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to be observed annually on May 30th. This global celebration underscores the multifaceted importance of potatoes in poverty alleviation, food security enhancement, and the provision of nutritious sustenance to millions worldwide. It perfectly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to poverty reduction, hunger eradication, economic growth, and responsible production and consumption.
The Conference Theme: Transforming the Potato Value Chain for Socio-Economic Growth
Under the overarching theme, “Transforming Potato Value Chain into a Sustainable Nutrition Sensitive Food System for Socio-Economic Growth: Through Improved Seed Systems, Digital Solutions, Climate Smart Technologies, and Partnerships,” participants engaged in insightful discussions and presentations that delved into the various facets of achieving sustainability in potato agriculture.
Key Objectives and Milestones
The conference’s objectives were diverse and impactful:
- Celebrating International Day of Potato (IDP): The event served as a platform to create awareness and celebrate the significance of International Potato Day.
- Inaugurating the Planning Committee for World Potato Congress 2026: Kenya is poised to host the prestigious World Potato Congress in 2026, and the conference marked the official inception of the planning committee responsible for this international event.
- Launching the Kenya National Potato Savings and Credit Cooperative Society: This initiative aims to support farmers in cultivating a culture of saving and provide them with access to affordable credit, thereby enhancing potato production.
- Showcasing Innovations: Through exhibitions, stakeholders had the opportunity to showcase their innovations, products, and services, fostering collaboration and technological advancement within the industry.
- Sharing Policy and Regulatory Insights: Participants engaged in discussions regarding the policy and regulatory framework, critical for the transformation of the potato subsector and agriculture as a whole.
- Establishing Partnerships: The conference provided a fertile ground for forging partnerships that can drive structured production and marketing in the potato value chain.
Distinguished Speakers and Sponsors
The conference boasted an array of distinguished speakers, including Mr. Kello Harsama, representing the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ms. Rosemary Nyamu, Mr. Hamisi Williams from FAO, and Ms. Joyce Maru, Director Agri-Food System CIP. Dr. Felister Markini inaugurated the planning committee for World Potato Congress 2026 on behalf of the Principal Secretary.
On the second day, Mr. John Macharia, the Country Manager of AGRA Kenya, delivered a keynote speech highlighting the importance of potatoes in AGRA’s strategic plan for 2023-2025, emphasizing their role in bolstering food security.
Special appreciation goes to the event’s main sponsors, FAO and CIP, as well as Solynta, Syngenta Seed, Twiga Chemicals, KENAFF, MoALD, Corteva Agriscience, Sereni Fries, Kevian Kenya, and AFA, whose support made this conference a resounding success.
In conclusion, the 6th National Potato Conference in Kenya was a testament to the industry’s commitment to growth, sustainability, and collaboration. It served as a beacon for the global potato community and a catalyst for positive change within the potato value chain.
