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The construction of the potato cold storage facility at the Madaraka region -Ngushishi Timau Buuri sub-county, Meru county- by the National Micro and small Enterprise Authority (MSEA) is 70% complete.
Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development Cabinet Secretary Betty Maina said the facility is aimed at ending post-harvest losses of potatoes in the area and boost production.
Ms Maina: “Timau cold store is anticipated that it will be available mostly to potato farmers because that is the product mostly produced here in large quantities. It has capacity to increase the shelf-life of products by up to 8 months. This will ensure farmers have a very sure market for their produce.”
She added that the government also wants to curb exploitation of potato farmers by brokers and cartels. “It is the county governments that will organize farmers for deliveries and also the usage of the facility.”
After the cold storage facility is complete, the government will then construct a potato processing industry in the area so as to add value to the crop. The National government is constructing a similar facility in Nyandarua for potatoes and in Kisii for bananas.
Source: kbc.co.ke
Photo source: Dreamstime.com
