NAIROBI, Kenya – Following official approval, Solynta, a Dutch seed company specializing in true potato seeds, intends to expand the distribution of its seeds throughout Kenya.
Solynta’s move seeks to guarantee that all stakeholders in the country’s potato value chain can grow dependable, affordable, tasty, and resilient potato varieties.
The Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) variety release committee recently announced that three of Solynta’s hybrid true potato varieties have been approved for distribution in the East African nation.
Y News has established that the hybrid potato varieties approved for release are SOLHY007, SOLHY012, and SOLHY015.
These first commercially available varieties will be sold as true seeds and seedlings grown from true seeds (via local partners).
Where were the new potato varieties developed
Notably, these varieties were developed in the Netherlands via non-GMO hybrid breeding technology, a new breeding platform invented by Solynta.
One of the varieties contains multiple resistant genes to late blight, a well-known potato disease that can severely damage growers’ yields.
Solynta maintains that these approved hybrid varieties will be available across Kenya soon, helping to increase access to quality potato starting material ahead of the next growing season.
Y News understands that one of Kenyan potato growers’ biggest challenges is limited access to sufficient clean starting material.
However, Solynta’s true potato seeds offer a solution to this demand, as they are disease-free, easy to store, and more economical for farmers to use. With just 25 grams of seed, they can plant the same area that otherwise requires 2,500 kilograms of tubers.
How Solynta developed the new potato varieties
Solynta has spent years working with African farmers, distributors, and significant processing companies to bring resilient, delicious, and reliable hybrid true potatoes to more people.
The company has rigorously field-tested these hybrid varieties across the continent, including Kenya, Egypt, Namibia, and South Africa.
“We are excited to welcome the latest and most innovative seed solution to Kenyan potato farmers. The innovative technology provides farmers solutions for many seed challenges, ensuring stability and growth,” said Wachira Kaguongo, chief executive of the National Potato Council of Kenya.
According to Kaguongo, the body remains dedicated to further supporting the entire potato value chain in Kenya and contributing to a more secure and prosperous future for the nation.
Where is potato farming mostly practised in Kenya
Potato farming in Kenya is a significant agricultural activity, particularly in regions such as Nyandarua, Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet, Meru, Nyeri, Kiambu, Taita Taveta, Narok, Bomet, and Trans Nzoia.
The process generally involves planting potato seeds in hilled rows, with trenches dug 70-95 cm apart and seeds spaced 30 cm apart.
Proper care, including soil preparation and fertilization, is essential for successful potato production.
Farmers should understand local climatic conditions and market demand to optimize their yields and profits.
What are the benefits of potatoes to the human body
Potatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and B6, and contain antioxidants that can support overall health.
Additionally, potatoes can aid in improved blood sugar control and have zero fat and cholesterol, making them a low-sodium food option.
Another benefit of this life-saving food source is that potatoes contain a significant nutrient: potassium, an electrolyte that aids in the workings of our heart, muscles, and nervous system. Potato skin also contains fibre, which is essential for digestive health.
However, it’s essential to be mindful of how they are prepared, as dishes like French fries can be high in fat and calories.
How regulators are supporting Kenyan potato farmers
For his part, Peter Poortinga, CEO (chief executive officer) of Solynta, disclosed that the National Potato Council of Kenya’s due diligence in evaluating Solynta’s varieties means that Kenyan potato growers can rest assured that hybrid potatoes and true potato seeds are safe and reliable innovations for their farms, businesses, and customers.
“We look forward to helping potato growers explore how the hybrid true potato system can help them feed their communities, stabilize their crop yields, and help expand Kenya’s agricultural trade footprint,” said Peter.
According to Charles Miller, director of strategic alliances at Solynta, Kenya has a forward-thinking approach to crop innovation.
Miller observed that regulators want to provide local farmers with as many tools as possible.
“They have been intent on increasing their farmers’ access to quality seeds while acting in the best interest of Kenyan farmers and consumers. We are excited to see that our hybrid true potato seed varieties have been approved for commercial use as part of this mission,” Miller said.
Solynta’s mission is to help address global nutritional insecurity by giving potato farmers the resources to grow more economical, robust, and climate-resilient potato varieties.
Against this backdrop, Miller reiterated that the firm looks forward to expanding its work in Kenya and using our seeds to help grow potato production there.
