Written by Elly Mwandiki
Photo credit :Ancieta Mukiri

County government is establishing a cold storage for the irish potato seeds and storage facility for the potato after harvest in an effort to boost production in Meru.

CECM Agriculture, Ms Carol Mutiga , who spoke during irish potato stakeholders forum that brought together farmers , marketers and agriculture department officials said he was saddened by brokers who infringe farmer's by over packing the bags.

"We will form an empowerment drive for farmers in potato farming by forming value addition committee to see elimination of cartels in the potato Industry" Ms Mutiga said.

Mrs Dionisia M'Eruaki , the Chief Officer noted Meru raked at number 7 in potato farming and the county hoped to double the production. The potato value chain would ensure standardized bags and not over packed bags leading to infringement of farmers.

Christopher Marete, potato co-operative chairman said he was glad of the initiative by the government to see value for money by potato farmers.