Reviving the Roots: The Success Story of Ol Joro Orok ATC as a Potato Seed Champion

In the verdant expanses of Nyandarua, Kenya where the cool breezes hint at the highlands’ agricultural promise, a beacon of hope and innovation in potato cultivation shines at the Ol Joro Orok Agricultural Training College (ATC). This institution, once teetering on the brink of obsolescence post-devolution, has admirably reclaimed its stature as a cornerstone of agricultural education and a leading provider of quality potato seeds in Kenya.

Rising from the Ashes

The transformation of Ol Joro Orok ATC is nothing short of remarkable. Following a period of decline that saw many such institutions falter with the shift in governance structures in 2013, the ATC has emerged as a pivotal player in the agricultural sector. Joseph Muiruri, a seasoned potato farmer and seed multiplier from Rurii, echoes the sentiment of many: “It makes us proud to see the ATC reclaiming its glory.”

Bridging the Gap in Seed Availability

Central to the college’s mission is addressing the acute shortage of certified potato seeds—a critical bottleneck for the 800,000 smallholder potato farmers in Kenya. With only two percent of these farmers currently accessing certified seeds, the impact of the ATC’s efforts is profound. The institution not only supplies seeds but also plays a crucial role in reducing the dependency on recycled seeds, which are often plagued by diseases and yield inconsistencies.

Innovative Techniques and Local Impact

Under the guidance of David Kuria, head of the ATC’s Potato Seed Multiplication Unit, the college has adopted advanced agricultural techniques, including the use of mini-tubers and apical cuttings derived from tissue culture plantlets. These methods promise a more sustainable and prolific production of potato seeds, significantly boosting the potential yield from the conventional seven tonnes per hectare to an ambitious 40 tonnes.

Empowering Farmers with Knowledge and Resources

The ATC’s strategy extends beyond seed production to encompass comprehensive training and support for farmers. This includes partnerships with local and international stakeholders, such as the European Union, which has invested Sh116 million in building and equipping a state-of-the-art seed propagation laboratory and cold storage facilities at the college.

Farmers like Muiruri benefit from the ATC’s programs, gaining access to high-quality seeds that can be replanted for up to four seasons, vastly improving their crop yield and economic stability. “Apical cuttings have up to six generations compared to four with mini-tubers,” Muiruri notes, highlighting the enhanced sustainability of these planting materials.

A Vision for the Future

The future looks promising for the Ol Joro Orok ATC, with plans to expand its reach and capacity. The institution aims to increase its greenhouse facilities from five to sixty and to extend its contract farming model to cover 10,000 acres, thereby ensuring a steady supply of high-quality seeds. This expansion is expected to significantly alleviate the seed shortage, making certified seeds accessible to more farmers and ushering in a new era of agricultural productivity and food security in Kenya.

Community and Educational Growth

Muchai Maina, the principal of Ol Joro Orok ATC, reflects on the institution’s broadening impact: “We’ve expanded our training facilities to accommodate the growing interest in agri-tourism and practical agricultural education.” The college now offers new packages that allow families to engage directly with farming activities, fostering a deeper connection with agriculture among the younger generation.

As Ol Joro Orok ATC continues to evolve and adapt, its role in shaping Kenya’s agricultural landscape remains indelibly marked by its commitment to innovation, quality, and community engagement. This story of revival and success serves as a testament to the resilience and potential of agricultural education in transforming lives and livelihoods across the nation.