Kenyan border open to Dutch seed potatoes

Kenyan growers can use Dutch seed potatoes. This could increase the harvest up to five times the current amount. The potato is the second main food crop in Kenya, but the harvests are going down because there's no good seeding material. Kenya has always kept the borders closed against seed potatoes, out of fear for the introduction of pests and diseases.

100 tonnes of Dutch material

Secretary of State Bleker of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation agreed with the Kenyan minister of Agriculture that Kenya would allow the import of Dutch seeding potatoes in October 2011. Some technical business had to be completed first though. This has accomplished, which means the first containers of seeding potatoes can be shipped into the country. This season around 100 tonnes of Dutch material can be planted.

New varieties

Besides the export of commercial varieties that are registered in Kenya, new varieties may now also be imported. They have to be tested under Kenyan circumstances first though, before they're allowed to be marketed.

Source: Ministery ELI