Farmers in Meru’s Timau area have a reason to smile after the government initiated construction of a Sh300 million potato storage facility.
The facility with ability to store 300 pallets of packed potatoes will be equipped with ventilation systems keeping off weather variables, pests and rodents reducing post-harvest losses while ensuring farmers benefit from proper market timing.
The warehouse, being built by the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority is part of the warehouses being built in Kisii that will store bananas, Meru (potatoes) and Nyandarua (potatoes) at a cost of Sh300 million each.
MSEA said the projects set for replication in potato-rich regions will see Kenya’s food security enhanced while enabling Kenya have an all year round supply of the crop, Kenya’s second staple food after maize, minimising losses suffered by farmers due to delayed sales.
“The income of smallholder farmers and rural entrepreneurs engaged in the production, storage and marketing of potatoes and other vegetables will be enhanced, employment and shared wealth created,” it said.
The Timau warehouse set for completion by month-end will also facilitate emergence of cottage industries riding on availability of fresh potatoes and vegetables.
MSEA said it was also working on activation of constituency industrial centres in Meru County that will be instrumental in supporting local manufacturing.
Story first published on the Business Daily