Irish Potato Farming — 90-Day Programme
A complete guide to growing Irish potatoes in Kenya's highlands (Nyandarua, Meru, Kericho, Elgeyo-Marakwet). Covers certified seed selection, land preparation, earthing up, late blight management, and proper post-harvest handling to reduce losses.
MkulimaHub Advisory Team
Curated by certified agronomists, veterinarians, and agricultural engineers across Kenya
10 years experience
These programmes are developed and reviewed by the MkulimaHub editorial team in collaboration with practising agronomists, veterinarians, and agricultural engineers across Kenya. Every activity is grounded in Kenyan growing conditions, locally available inputs, and real market realities.
Sample Schedule (First 2 Weeks)
Certified Seed Selection
Purchase certified disease-free seed potatoes from KEPHIS-certified suppliers. Varieties: Shangi (most popular), Kenya Mpya (fast-maturing), or Markies (for highland cold areas). Never plant saved seed from previous harvest — virus build-up reduces yield 30–50%.
Pre-Sprouting (Chitting)
Arrange seed tubers in a well-lit shade for 2–3 weeks to develop short, sturdy sprouts. Pre-sprouted tubers emerge 7–10 days faster and establish better.
Land Preparation
Plough to 25–30 cm. Incorporate compost (5 t/ha). Apply DAP (150 kg/ha) as basal dressing during secondary tillage. Potatoes require deep, loose, well-drained soil.
Planting
Plant pre-sprouted tubers at 75 cm between rows × 30 cm within rows. Plant 10–12 cm deep. At planting, apply DAP in furrow 5 cm below tuber.
Germination Check
Shoots should emerge at Day 10–14. Check germination (target >85%). Replant gaps immediately.
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Full 90-day program
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