Irish potatoes is one of the most widely consumed foods in Kenya, serving as both a staple and a cash crop, and its production has been rapidly increasing as a result of increased urbanization and fast food industries.
You may be wondering how profitable is Irish potato farming in Kenya? Farmers in Kenya can make Ksh. 207,900 in three months compared to Sh40,000 in six months with a potato yield per acre averaging about 7,700kg and a price of Ksh. 27 per kilo, according to the National Potato Council of Kenya.
Besides, depending on the variety, Irish potatoes take 70 to 120 days to develop and mature.
Irish Potato Growing Regions in Kenya
Irish potato farming in Kenya is popularly grown in the following area: Uasin Gishu, West Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira,, Nyeri, Kiambu, Taita Taveta, Narok, Bomet, Nyandarua, Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Nandi, Laikipia and Kericho Meru Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Kirinyaga, Murang’a,
Suitable Soil for Irish Potato Farming in Kenya
Irish potatoes thrive in well-drained and aerated loose loamy and sandy loam soils that are rich in organic matter and have a pH range of 5-6.5. Rooting depth is limited by impermeable soil layers, which has an impact on productivity.
When applying basal fertilizers such as DAP, CAN, TSP, and others, 1kg HUMIPOWER® should be mixed with them to improve soil structure.
Irish Potato Optimum Temperature
Average daily temperatures of 16 to 20 degrees Celsius produce the best yields. When temperatures drop below 10°C and rise over 30°C, tuber development is severely hampered.
If tuber initiation is delayed, it is due to high temperatures at the time of planting.
Altitude For Potato Farming
The Irish potato grows best at elevations of 1500-2800 meters above sea level.
Irish Potato Water Requirements
The crop thrives in areas with consistent rainfall of 850-1400mm per year.
Irish Potato Seeds in Kenya
When choosing seeds, keep the following criteria in mind:
- Potential for profit
- Period of maturation
- Tolerance to pests and diseases
- Characteristics of tubes
- The product’s intended purpose
There are many different types, each with its own form, size, color, flavor, and starch content.
Some of the popular irish potato varieties in Kenya include:
Laura, Lady Amarilla, Derby, Jelly Markies, Sagitta, Saviola, Musica, Royal, Tigoni, Shangi, Kenya karibu, Rodeo, Sifra, Konjo, Carolus, Zafira, Kenya Mpya, Sherekea, Ambition, Faluka, Purple gold, Challenger, Evora, Panamera, Milva and Mayan Gold, among others
Getting the Land Ready For Irish Potato Farming
In order to make the soil suitable for best productivity, at least two ploughings are usually done, with periodic harrowing and rolling.
Spray CATAPULT® 480SL 200ml/20L, a systemic non-selective weedkiller, on both broadleaf and grass weeds to get rid of them.
Planting of Irish Potato
Seed potatoes are often used to grow Irish potatoes (tubers or pieces of tubers). These tubers should be disease-free and well-sprouted for maximum yield.
On the prepared land, create hilled rows (ridges).
Manure and DAP should be mixed into the soil. Mix 1kg HUMIPOWER® with 50kg DAP and/or 1 ton of manure for efficient and enhanced nutrient uptake and root development, among other benefits.
Cover the seeds with about 3 inches of dirt and space them out 12 inches apart.
Seeds can be soaked for 1-2 hours in OPTIMIZER® 20ml/1L to break seed dormancy and promote faster and more uniform germination.
The soil should be damp but not dripping wet.
Germination typically occurs 21-27 days after planting.
Spacing and Ridging of Land For Potato Farming
Furrows are spaced 75cm apart from one another and around 30cm apart from one seed to the next.
This is done by mounding soil from between the rows around the crop’s main stem. It keeps the crop upright, inhibits pests like the potato tuber moth from getting to the tubers, and aids with the prevention of weed growth.
Irrigation of Irish Potato
Water stress is particularly damaging to Irish potatoes, especially during the middle and late phases of growth, resulting in deformed tubers and low yields.
In order to encourage optimal production, soil moisture content should be kept at a relatively greater level.
Application of Manure and Fertilizer to Irish Potato
The importance of soil testing cannot be overstated. It aids in determining the state of soil fertility. For better result of manure and fertilizer application, apply correct amounts during planting and top dressing.
Manure application is critical, especially in soils with little or no organic matter.
Potato Planting Fertilizer
Apply 50 kg of DAP or TSP per acre while planting. These are high in phosphorus, which is essential during the early phases of crop development.
Spray the young plants with LAVENDER SUPER STARTER® 20ml/20L or GOLDCHANCE SUPER START® 50g/20L two weeks after emergence to stimulate
- Quick root development,
- Balanced crop growth,
- Increased resistance to diseases and weather stress.
Potato Top-Dressing Fertilizer
Top dress the crop with 50kg of CAN per acre after 3 to 4 weeks, and 100kg per acre after 4 to 5 weeks. Other nitrogen-rich fertilizers, such as N.P.K 23.23.0, can also be used for top dressing.
To promotes faster vegetative growth, boosts crop resilience to diseases and weather stress, and assures a balanced crop growth spray the crop with one of these fertilizer based on availability.
- GOLDCHANCE SUPER GROWTH® 50g/20L,
- LAVENDER SUPER GROWTH & VEGETATIVE® 20ml/20L
To promotes production of quality tubers, spraying the crop with either
- GOLDCHANCE SUPER FLOWERS & FRUITS® 50g/20L,
- DIMIPHITE® 20ml/20L
- GOLDCHANCE MULTISUPER K® 50g/20L,
- LAVENDER SUPER FLOWERS & FRUITS® 20ml/20L,
- BIODISTINCTION XTRA® 20ml/20L
Note
At a rate of 1kg of HUMIPOWER® per 50kg of fertilizer, all basal fertilizers should be blended with HUMIPOWER®.It can be used at any stage of the crop’s growth and development.
Controlling Weeds in an Irish Potato Farming
Weeds is a major threat to potato farming in Kenya. Weeds cause major crop losses by competing for growth elements such as nutrients and water, as well as harboring diseases that can harm the crop. To offer the crop a competitive advantage, proper weed management should be implemented.
Weed development is greatly reduced throughout the season when CATAPULT® 480SL 200ml/20L is used during land preparation and HOTLINE® 450SC 50ml/20L is applied before to transplanting.
To avoid root harm, shallow cultivation should be used.
Rotation of Crops During Farming
Generally, crop rotation in farming aids in the control of pests and diseases by interrupting their development cycles. Non-solanaceous crops such as grains and brassicas should be rotated.
5 Diseases Affecting Irish Potato Farmers in Kenya
Potato farming is often affected with many diseases that if not checked in advance can severely decrease the result and potato yield per acre. Many potato farmers loose most of their crops to diseases and pest.
The following are some popular potato diseases and how to control them.
1 Early Blight
It primarily affects the leaves and stems, and if not handled in a timely manner, can result in significant defoliation and reduced yields. Brown circular dots appear on the leaves and stems after infection. Early blight can be controlled with pesticides such as:
- RANSOM® 600WP 15g/20L
- Spray FORTRESS GOLD® 720WP 40g/20L
- TOWER® 720WP 50g/20L
- ABSOLUTE® 375SC 10ml/20L
2 Fusarium Wilt
Symptoms of infection include vein clearing on younger leaves and the dropping of older lower leaves, which then turn yellow and wilt. Brown discoloration develops as the yellowing and wilting travel up the stems and tubers.
When vascular tissue is sliced under water, it turns dark but does not create a slimy substance, as it does in bacterial wilt.
After every 2 weeks, Fusarium wilt can be controlled with pesticides such as:
- Foliar spray PYRAMID® 700WP 50g/20L
- Drench with GREENCOP® 500WP 100g/20L
- ABSOLUTE® 375SC 10ml/20L
3 Potato Leaf Roll
This is a viral infection that is spread by aphids. Infected leaves roll/fold rather than widen, reducing photosynthetic surface area and eventually stunting development.
Potato Leaf Roll can be controlled with pesticides such as:
- PENTAGON® 50EC 10ml/20L
- Spray KINGCODE ELITE® 50EC 10ml/20L
- LEXUS® 247SC 8ml/20L
4 Bacterial Wilt
Infested tubers are the most prevalent source of spread, and it spreads more quickly in regions with poor drainage. Stunting and wilting are symptoms of infection. When an infected crop’s stem or tubers are severed, yellowish drops of bacterial cream pour out.
Bacterial Wilt can be controlled with pesticides such as:
Spray GREENCOP® 500WP 50g/20L, a copper-based product that inhibits the pathogen’s action
5 Late Blight
It attacks the leaves, stems, and tubers of [potato plants. During high humidity and cool temperatures, infection causes little light to dark green spots to grow, which subsequently turn into brown or black lesions that appear water-soaked.
Late Blight can be controlled with pesticides such as:
- FORTRESS GOLD® 720WP 40g/20L
- Spray GEARLOCK TURBO® 250WP 25g/20L
- TOWER® 720WP 50g/20L
5 Popular Pests to Look For When Growing Irish Potato
1 Whiteflies
These are small white winged insects that feed on plant sap, inflicting harm and lowering plant vitality. They create honeydew while they feed, which encourages the growth of sooty molds. They are also disease vectors for plants.
Whiteflies can be put under control using either of these pesticides:
- KINGCODE ELITE® 50EC 10ml/20L
- Spray TAURUS® 500SP 10g/20L
- JAMBO CLEAN® 100ml/20L
- LEXUS® 247SC 8ml/20L
2 Aphids
These are small black and green soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap from plant leaves and stems, causing leaf curling and distortion. They also exude honeydew, which aids in the growth of sooty mold. Aphids are also carriers of illnesses such as Potato Leaf Roll.
Aphids can be put under control using either of these pesticides:
- PENTAGON® 50EC 10ml/20L
- Spray KINGCODE ELITE® 50EC 10ml/20L
- LEXUS® 247SC 8ml/20L
- JAMBO CLEAN® 100ml/20L
3 Leafminers
They make whitish serpentine or blister mines by feeding between the upper and lower epidermal leaf surfaces. This lowers the photosynthetic surface area, resulting in stunting and lower yields.
Leafminers can be put under control using either of these pesticides:
ESCORT® 19EC 10ml/20L
LEXUS® 247SC 8ml/20L
Spray ALONZE® 50EC 5ml/20L
OCCASION STAR® 200SC 3ml/20L
4. Root Knot Nematodes
They are minute parasites that feed on the roots and live in the soil. Swellings appear on the infested tubers, making them unappealing.
Root Knot Nematodes can be put under control using either of these pesticides:
- Mix basal fertilizer, 50kg with 2kg of ADVENTURE® 0.5GR
- ALONZE® 50EC 10ml/20L
5 Tuber Moths
These are white-flying insect pests with larvae that penetrate tubers directly and create slender tunnels along or deep into them. These tunnels do not repair, allowing other pathogens, such as soft and dry rot diseases, to enter.
Tuber Moths can be put under control using either of these pesticides:
- BACIGUARD® 16WDG 15g/20L
- OCCASION STAR® 200SC 3ml/20L
- Spray ESCORT® 19EC 10ml/20L
- LEXUS® 247SC 8ml/20L
Harvesting of Irish Potatoes in Kenya
You may wonder how many bags of potatoes can one acre produce? The majority of potato farmers claim to have yields of 30 to 100 bags per acre. It’s uncommon to hear of farmers harvesting more than 100 bags.
Depending on the scale of output, harvesting is done with a fork, plough, or commercial potato harvester. The vines should be removed 1-2 weeks before digging up the tubers to make harvesting easier.
Because bruises/damaged portions serve as entry routes for storage pathogens, it is critical to avoid any injuries to the tubers.
It’s best to dig the tubers on a dry day. The potatoes should be air-dried before packaging if the soil is too damp.
Tubers intended for storage (rather than immediate consumption) should be left in the soil to allow their skins to thicken, preventing shrinkage due to water loss and storage pathogens.
They should not be left for too long, though, since this may expose them to black scurf, a fungal incrustation.
It is critical to sort before storing. To keep the healthy potatoes from rotting, soiled potatoes should be removed.
Related:
Is Potato Farming Profitable In Kenya?
Certified Potato Seeds For Sale In Kenya
What Is The Best Fertilizer For Potatoes In Kenya?
Shangi Potato Farming In Kenya Tips You Must Know
Potato Seed Rate Per Acre In Kenya For High Yield
Conclusion
Irish potato farming in Kenya can be a great business venture for you. Now that you are knowledgeable with facts about potato farming, consider getting started and make your dream come true.
