Potato farmers in Meru County are upbeat after the unveiling of a new cold room storage facility that ensures the produce minimizes wastage and attracts good prices by being sold at the right time.
Eliud Mugambi, a potato farmer from Ngusishi in Buuri West sub-county where the facility is located said the move was long overdue, as farmers were previously forced to sell potatoes at a throwaway price fearing that they would rot due to poor storage.
“During the harvesting period, we have many brokers all over the area who buy potatoes at their preferred prices. Farmers usually have no option but to sell them at poor prices lest they will all rot due to lack of proper storage,” said Mr Mugambi.
He expressed his contentment with the commissioning of the new facility by President William Ruto last week during his development tour of the area adding that farmers will now be getting the value for their labour.
Fridah Kathure, another farmer from Timau said she will increase the acreage under potatoes now that they will be storing their potatoes safely and selling them when they attract good prices.
“We will now get back to our farms and work hard without any fears of losses following the commissioning of the cold room facility that we have been yearning for,” said Kathure.
With a capacity to store 2,000 metric tonnes of potatoes per year, the state-of-the-art facility incorporates cutting-edge technology to maintain optimal temperatures for the stored potatoes.
It is expected to serve more than 14,000 farmers, ensure minimal wastage, and incorporate advanced grading and sorting equipment, enhancing the competitiveness of the potatoes in both local and international markets.
Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs Development Simon Chelugui who was present during the launch said that the cold storage project is a testament to the potential of Kenya’s productive capacity and the Government’s commitment to creating sustainable solutions for MSMEs in the agricultural sector, and especially towards achieving food security.
The cold storage facility, part of a Shs300 million investment covering Kisii and Nyandarua counties, aims to minimize post-harvest losses, ensure the economic viability of potato farming, and create competitive and sustainable jobs along the value chain.
The three projects collectively contribute to increasing the income of smallholder farmers and rural entrepreneurs engaged in potato and vegetable production.
Other government officers present during the commissioning included Agriculture and Livestock Development CS Mithika Linturi, State Department for MSMEs Principal Secretary Susan Mang’eni, Micro Small Enterprise Authority board members led by the Chairman Mr. James Mureu, Director General Henry Rithaa and the Meru County Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
By Dickson Mwiti
