Nyandarua county
police officers have intercepted eight lorries carrying potatoes in extended bags contrary to Crops (Irish Potatoes) Regulations 2019. The lorries carrying over 1,000 bags of immature potatoes were intercepted at various sub counties.
The operation is being spearheaded by a multi-agency team headed by the Agriculture and Food Authority. According to Nyandarua police commander Zachary Kimani, police have intercepted over 1,000 bags of potatoes since the crackdown started on Thursday.
Ndaragwa subcounty OCPD Nancy Jerop said farmers had previously been sensitised on the Irish Potato Regulation 2019. “They were warned against ferrying overloaded bags of potatoes. The regulation states that the required standard is 50kgs and we should not have an extended one.”
According to Jerop, there was a multi-agency operation along the Nyeri-Nyahururu road which managed to net two lorries.
AFA director general Kello Harsama said the crackdown will be extended to Narok, Nakuru, Mombasa and Nairobi counties. He said those who will be found in violation of the Cap 16 of the Crops Act on the 50kg packaging will be arrested and arraigned in court. According to Harsama, the regulation was to take effect from April this year but farmers and traders and are yet to comply, prompting the authority to start the crackdown.
Source: potatopro.com