Kenia: Potato growers in Nakuru, Kenya, faced with losses
Nakuru is the fourth-largest urban area in Kenya. The region’s potato farmers are looking at some financial losses, due to low potato prices amid high production costs.
The output was high due to ample rains, but farmers are now struggling to find markets, partly due to the impact of Covid-19.
Regina Wanjiru, a farmer in Mau Narok, said they are forced to sell the produce to brokers at low prices. A 110-kilogramme bag is selling at between Sh1,700 and Sh2,000 despite their expectations of about Sh3,000.
“Previously, I could supply 50 bags of potatoes to markets in Eldoret, but after the Covid-19 pandemic, I have nowhere to sell the produce,” said Ms Wanjiru. “To avoid total losses, I sell a bag as low as Sh800.”
Areas, where potato is grown in bulk in Nakuru County, include Mau Narok, Kuresoi North, Kuresoi South, Njoro and Molo. Chief Officer of Agriculture Joel Kibet asked farmers to establish groups to help them get markets with better prices.
Source: standardmedia.co.ke
Fuente: https://www.freshplaza.com/article/9235248/potato-growers-in-nakuru-kenya-faced-with-losses/
