Tanzania, Kenya sign five-year potato pact to close seed deficit
The partnership will also promote joint research, on-farm trials, and farmer training, as well as exchange visits for extension officers, seed producers and processors.
TANZANIA – Tanzania and Kenya have signed a five-year agreement to boost potato production, improve seed quality and expand cross-border trade, creating new opportunities for farmers and investors, according to the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK).
The Potato Council of Tanzania and the NPCK signed the Memorandum of Understanding on the sidelines of the 13th World Potato Congress in Naivasha, Kenya.
Potato Council of Tanzania Board Member Abdalla Luvanda and NPCK Chief Executive Officer Wachira Kaguongo signed the agreement, which was witnessed by NPCK Chairman Dr Kimani Rugendo and the Agricultural Growth Corridors of Tanzania Centre Head of Partnerships and Communication, Tullah Mloge.
In Kenya, annual certified seed demand is estimated at 150,000 tonnes, while production is about 24,000 tonnes, according to Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization Director General Dr Patrick Ketiem, leaving a deficit of 126,000 tonnes and meeting about 16% of demand.
In addition, Kenya’s National Agriculture Production Report 2025 records 2.15 million tonnes of production in 2024, valued at KSh72.5 billion (US$557 million).
Meanwhile, Tanzania’s certified potato seed meets about two per cent of national demand. Tanzania produced 1.41 million tonnes of Irish potatoes during the 2024/25 agricultural year, with an average yield of 9.9 tonnes per hectare, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Mbeya and Njombe accounted for approximately 85.1% of output.
The MoU identifies four priority areas: knowledge and technology exchange, standards and quality assurance, trade linkages and market access, and joint capacity building and research.
Moreover, the councils will facilitate the sharing of innovations in seed production, farming practices, post-harvest handling, storage, and marketing, with a focus on clean seed technologies including rooted cuttings, tissue culture, and aeroponics.
Luvanda said the partnership would help address production and marketing challenges through agricultural science, improved seed technologies, stronger cooperatives, and direct market connections.
“Our farmers across Tanzania’s agricultural growth corridors have proven that potato farming is a serious, profitable business when driven by agricultural science, soil health and strong cooperatives,” he said.
The partnership will also promote joint research, on-farm trials, and farmer training, as well as exchange visits for extension officers, seed producers and processors.
Finally, Dr Rugendo urged African delegates to ensure agreements reached during the Congress translate into tangible benefits. “Let us not allow the agreements we have signed here today to gather dust. Let us put them into action,” he said.
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