Economic-Review-of-Agriculture_2015-6

3.1.13 Irish Potatoes
The area under Irish potatoes in 2014 was 115,604 ha yielding 1.6 million tons valued at Kshs 22.84 billion. Compared
to 2013, the area in 2014 increased by 11 percent while the quantity decreased by 2 percent due to unfavorable
weather with the value reducing by 752 million. The price of Irish potatoes per kg declined from an average of Kshs
31.1 in 2013 to Kshs 30.9 in 2014 resulting to a reduction in value from Kshs 23.6 billion to Kshs 22.84 billion. The
main challenge in Irish potato production has been limited use of certified seeds, resulting to poor performance.
Table 3.13: Irish Potatoes
Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Area (ha) 121,542 135,924 99,475 104,560 115,604
Production
tons 2,725,936 1,846,576 1,436718 1,667,690 1,626,027
Yield (tons /ha) 22.4 13.6 12.3 12.4 11.7
Price
Retail (kg) 18.9 29.2 36.4 31.1 30.9
Wholesale (110 kg bag) 1,383 2,542 3,765 2,989 3100
Total Value (billion) … … 18.9 23. 6 22.8
Source: AFFA
... = data not yet available
3.1.14 Cocoyam
The area under production increased by 27.4 percent from 2,869 ha in 2012 to 3,654 ha in 2013 but dropped in 2014
by 41 percent to 2,155 ha. Total production increased by 69.7 percent from 26,716 tons in 2012 to 45,346 tons in
2013. However, the production reduced by 39 percent from 45,346 tons in 2013 to 27,619 in 2014. This could be
attributable to decrease in area under production.
Table 3.14: Cocoyam
Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Area (ha) 2,774 4,549 2,869 3,654 2,155
Production (tons) 19,054 30,635 26,716 45,346 27,619
Yield (ton) 6.8 6.7 9.3 12.4 12.8
Value (Kshs) … … 603,701,700 994,931,300 614,164,350
Source: SDA
... = data not yet available
3.1.15 Yams
The area under production increased by 21.2 percent from 998 ha in 2013 to 1,210 ha in 2014. Total production
increased by 47.6 percent from 13,569 tons in 2013 to 20,028 tons in 2014. This is could be attributable to adoption
of THVC through the programme promoted by the Ministry.
Table 3.15: Yams
Year 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
Area (ha) 1,224 1,057 874 998 1,210
Production (tons) 8,035 9,635 10,143 13,569 20,028
Estimated Farm Gate (Kshs/ton) ... … 43,327 56,681 37,709
Yield (ton) 6.6 9.1 11.6 13.6 16.5
Value (Kshs) … … 439,470,000 769,118,500 755,246,000
Source: SDA
... = data not yet available
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Economic Review of Agriculture [ERA] 2015