The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) has unveiled a new superior potato variety that is set to revolutionize potato farming in the country and boost food security.

Christened Clone IG-70, the new potato variety is high-yielding, producing up to 320 bags per acre, and is resistant to late blight, a disease that has long plagued potato farmers across the country.

The tuber, which was unveiled during the Mkulima Open Week Exhibitions at the KALRO Potato Research Centre in Tigoni, Limuru, can also thrive under drought conditions, making it suitable for planting in drought-stricken areas.

“Certified seeds play a crucial role in enhancing potato productivity. This Open Week is not just about unveiling a new variety—it’s about showing farmers the future of agriculture. Clone IG-70 represents that future,” said Robert Musyoki, Director of KALRO Seeds.

According to Musyoki, the variety is currently undergoing final verification and will soon be commercially available.

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“Farmers have long needed a variety that offers both disease resistance and high yields. Clone IG-70 delivers up to 320 bags per acre, tolerates drought and blight, and has excellent qualities for processing—especially for chips and roasting,” Moses Nyongesa, Centre Director at the KALRO Horticulture Research Centre in Tigoni said.

The new potato variety is set to take on the Shangi variety, which holds over 80 percent of the market share in a country with more than 75 potato varieties.

Despite its massive popularity, Shangi is neither the highest-yielding variety nor the best in mechanization, processing, or storing.

The variety is, however early early-maturing and can be used for various purposes, including in making chips and crisps and for home cooking.

According to the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK) potato catalog of 2019, you can harvest Shangi within 75 days after planting.

Regular farmers prefer to harvest their tubers before they achieve full maturity to capture higher farm gate prices.

Shangi’s high market demand has seen farmers choose it over other varieties in a bid to prevent losses due to a lack of market. Potato brokers don’t want to buy any other potato variety unless there is no Shangi on the site.