KEVIAN KENYA LTD
ABOUT KEVIAN KENYA:
Since its inception in July 1992, Kevian Kenya Ltd has stridden a path of distinction not only with a range of food and beverage products that remain a notable mark of excellence but also with a distinctive knack for producing high-quality brands that are unique and refreshing.
KEVIAN KENYA NEWS:
KENYA SEEKS SH656M FOR STUDY ON POTATO SEED
February 2021: Kenya has applied for a Sh656 million grant from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to boost research on potato seed production and cut reliance on imports. The fund will be used to increase the availability of certified seed in the country and cut the imports of tubers. Kenya’s seed demand stands at 30,000 tonnes annually but the country only produces 6,700 tonnes, with most farmers recycling crop from the previous season to use as seed, a move that has been blamed for the shortage that the country faces. The country produces about two million tonnes of potatoes annually even though the country has potential of yielding up to eight million tonnes.
Additionally, scientists at Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) have been calling on a ban on imports of all potato seed urging the government to focus funds towards research that will stimulate local production of seed that can avert disease and pests that come with imported materials.
In 2020, Kalro licensed Kevian Limited to commercialize five of its high-yielding potato seed varieties in a 15-year contract to boost production of the right variety required by the multinational franchises, who have for years relied on imports to meet their customers’ needs. The move will see Kevian distribute the improved seeds to farmers in potato growing regions, and later on purchase the harvest from the same growers for processing.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Sources: Kevian Kenya, Potato pro