State sets a side Sh0.5b for potato cold storage facilities

INVESTMENT:  The government will spend Sh500 million to finance establishment of modern cold storage facilities in three potato growing counties, Co-operative and Micro and Small Enterprise Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui has said.

He said the resources will be spent during the 2023/2024 financial year, adding that during the period, the government will sponsor construction of two potato cooling systems each in Nakuru and Nyandarua and one in Baringo county. 

The intention, he explained in an interview yesterday is aimed at helping farmers reduce post-harvest losses on potatoes and ensure supply is guaranteed in the industry. “The cold storage facilities will be used by farmer-based co-operative societies to store their produce to reduce numerous post-harvest losses incurred annually,” said Chelugui. 

Cooling systems

He noted that due to lack of storage facilities well-fitted with modern cooling systems, farmers incur losses to the tune of between 30 and 50 per cent every year and thus deny growers an opportunity to record high income and contribute to development of their farms.

Chelugui added: “Each of the cold storage costs about Sh100 million and is able to store and save farmers from post-harvest losses.  The funds will be provided through the Micro Small Enterprises Authority.”

The annual national potato production, he said is about 2.1 million tonnes of potatoes in the country with a market value of Sh50 billion. Out of the total annual production Nyandarua county produces between 33 and 35 per cent.  Other key potato producing areas are Elburgon, Njoro, Molo, Timboroa and some parts of Meru.

Potato aggregation

Recently, Chelugui launched a Sh100 million cold storage facility for potato farmers in Ol Kalou of Nyandarua County. 

The establishment of the cooling facilities, Chelugui stated will also help potato aggregation which is crucial in promotion of formation of co-operatives societies as well as promoting development in the counties.