2020 The International Year of Plant Health
International Year of Plant Health 2020 (IYPH 2020) was officially declared by the 73rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly on 20th December 2018.
Why an IYPH 2020?
National, regional and global plant health organizations need to raise awareness of the importance and positive impacts of plant health in addressing issues of global importance, including hunger, poverty, threats to the environment and economic development.
Why do we need to raise awareness for plant health?
·In recent years the risks of pest movement and introduction into new areas have increased dramatically.
· Increased trade in plant commodities and products and the effects of climate change provide easier opportunities for pests, weeds and disease causing organisms to enter establish and spread into new environments.
·Over the same time period, the human and monetary resources of plant health services and plant protection research and educational services have consistently decreased.
To tackle these challenges, it is essential to raise the awareness of the importance of plant health to both decision-makers and the general public.
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Upcoming News & Events
- Potato Technologies on Display at the Ndaragua Farmers Field Day
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Leshao Ponda, Ndaragua - Potato technologies and varieties were on display at the Leshao Ponda, Ndaragua field day with farmers being urged to use certified seed to enhance potato production. The over 400 farmers were shown aeroponics, hydroponics and stem cutting technologies used to produce basic potato seed which in turn is sold to seed merchants. Aeroponics is growing plants in air or mist without using soil, while hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil but using mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent.
Left: KEPHIS Board Chairman Mr Robin Achoki(3rd left), MD Dr. Esther Kimani(2nd left), Nyandarua CEC Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Hon. Dr. James Karitu showing a variety of potatoes at the Ndaragua field day; (Right): potato technologies on display during the field dayThis is a relatively new technology in Kenya but is gaining popularity due to low incidences of potato diseases due to the absence of soil.
20 potato varieties were also on display including Sagita, Challenger, Rudolf, Sheherekea and Lenana. These varieties have been released (made available for multiplication) by KEPHIS for the farming community.
KEPHIS Board Chairman Mr Robin Achoki who was the Chief Guest urged the farmers to make use of the services of KEPHIS to enhance their agricultural production leading to improved livelihoods. MD Dr. Esther Kimani urged the farmers to plant certified seed. "Do not buy seed from open places as you do not know where the seed has come from; also keep the receipt for traceability in case your crops do not do well," she emphasized.
Board Member Dr Rose Njeru urged the farmers to also plant certified seed from certified agrovets. She informed the farmers of the role that KEPHIS plays in looking for global markets for their horticultural produce. Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries CEC Hon. Dr. James Karitu who represented Governor Francis Kimemia reiterated the county government's commitment to addressing potato production challenges including marketing, storage, availability of certified seed and varieties suitable for the area.
A representative from Agrico teaching farmers on various potato varieties at the Ndaragua field day - KEPHIS Takes First Position at the 2019 Nairobi International Trade Fair
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Jamhuri Park Showgrounds – KEPHIS once again took first position at the 2019 Nairobi International Trade Fair. This was in the Best Regulatory Authority and Corporation Stand.
- KEPHIS Emerges as Victors at the Kitale Show
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Kitale Showgrounds - The Kitale National Show took place from 18th - 21st September, 2019 and hosted visitors who wanted knowledge about agriculture, new innovations and various technologies.
- KEPHIS Officially Launches Strategic Plan with Assurance to Deliver on Mandates
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KEPHIS Headquarters, Nairobi - KEPHIS today officially launched its Strategic Plan 2017-2018/2021-2022 with a promise to customers, stakeholders and the people of Kenya the commitment to achieve the key objectives of protecting plants from pests, weeds and invasive species; improving the legal and regulatory framework;
- KEPHIS Shines at the Kabarnet Show
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KEPHIS took part in the ASK Kabarnet Show which was held from 12th-14th September at the Kabarnet showground. The show was officially opened by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Mr. Harry Kimtai, and in attendance were exhibitors from different industries including Agriculture, Manufacturing, Tourism, Banking, Import and Export as well as Transport industries.