Tanzania and Kenya sign five year potato trade agreement
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The Potato Council of Tanzania and the National Potato Council of Kenya signed a five year agreement in Naivasha, Kenya, to expand cross border trade and improve potato production.
The agreement was reached during the 13th World Potato Congress to address issues such as limited access to certified seeds, low technology adoption, and inconsistent quality standards. The partnership focuses on four priority areas: technology exchange, quality assurance, market access, and joint research.
Both countries plan to share innovations in seed production methods like tissue culture and aeroponics. The councils will also organize farmer training, exchange visits for extension officers, and joint on farm trials to help local producers improve their yields. To boost market reach, the councils will connect producer organizations with traders and processors in both nations. This move addresses a severe shortage of certified seeds. In Kenya, local production meets only 16 per cent of the 150,000 tonne annual demand.
In Tanzania, certified seeds meet only about 2 per cent of national demand. The agreement aims to turn potato farming into a more profitable business by aligning phytosanitary standards and creating direct market channels. Officials encouraged participants to move beyond the signed documents to ensure the deal provides tangible benefits for farmers, businesspeople, and young people.
