Welcome back. Here, we eat potatoes, we think about potatoes, we talk about potatoes, we read potatoes, we write about potatoes, we discuss potatoes, we drink potatoes vodka, and lastly, we'll probably name our children potatoes. Call us Potatoes, Waru, or Viazi, and we won't take offense. We explore Markies potato variety today.

We begin today's article by taking a deep dive into antiquity. In ancient Egypt, a lesser-known deity named Hathor was the goddess of love, joy, and motherhood. Despite being among many gods and goddesses in the Egyptian pantheon, Hathor initially struggled to gain popularity and recognition among the people.

During that time, the dominant deities were Osiris, Isis, and Ra, who commanded most of the religious attention and devotion. The magnificence of these prominent gods overshadowed Hathor's temples and rituals.

However, as several centuries passed, the worship of Hathor slowly gained traction. Her gentle and nurturing qualities began to resonate with the people, and her followers increased. Hathor's demand grew exponentially as more Egyptians recognized the importance of love, joy, and motherhood.

Eventually, Hathor became one of the most admired deities in ancient Egypt. Her temples thrived, and her influence extended to various aspects of Egyptian culture, including music, dance, and festivities. What started as a struggle to gain ground transformed into a remarkable rise in popularity, solidifying Hathor's place among the pantheon of gods and goddesses.

From Humble Origins to Culinary Stardom: The Extraordinary Journey of the Markies Potato Variety

In the culinary world, certain ingredients transcend sheer sustenance to become legends. Among them stands a humble and unassuming vegetable, often overlooked and taken for granted—the potato. Yet, hidden within its diverse family of varieties lies an enigmatic gem that has defied the odds, emerging triumphant against tough odds—a tale that weaves together struggle, perseverance, and triumphant success. Markies’s potato journey has been one akin to Hathor.

Imagine a time when the Markies potato variety, now celebrated for its exceptional processing capabilities, flavor, and versatility, languished in obscurity. It arrived on the scene alongside ten other hopefuls, each vying for the favor of a market that seemed indifferent, even dismissive. But fate had a disparate plan in store, as the disheartening years of struggle would eventually give way to an extraordinary transformation, forever etching Markies in Kenyan potato history.

As the years passed, the indomitable spirit of Agrico on Markies refused to wane. While its companions dwindled and fell into the shadows, it endured, patiently awaiting its moment to shine. And shine it did, emerging from the depths of obscurity to captivate discerning food enthusiasts around the country.

Today, processors love it for its distinct texture and unmatched flavor. At the same time, culinary connoisseurs revel in their ability to transcend cultural boundaries and lift even the simplest of dishes to new levels. Its demand has skyrocketed, echoing the resilience and determination at the heart of its journey.

In today's article, we embark on a voyage through time, exploring the captivating tale of Markies since it defied expectations and carved its path. We delve into the challenges it faced, the lessons learned, and the triumphs it achieved. Join us as we disclose the secrets behind its remarkable rise, celebrating the tuber and the incredible human journey that breathed life into its extraordinary story.

Markies is a new variety with less than ten years since it was introduced in Kenya by the Dutch company, Agrico. It originated in the Netherlands and was introduced in 2015 alongside ten other varieties. As fate would have it, the rest did not survive, pushing Agrico to discontinue them. The varieties introduced alongside Markies include Zafira, Farida, Faluka, Rudolph, Manitou, and Destiny.  Destiny, ideal for crisps, still holds a place in my heart for it is the sweetest potato to ever touch Kenyan soil.

They were all high yielding and fit for the climate of most potato-producing regions in Kenya. Introducing a new variety to a new market takes lots of resources and willpower. Only Agrico can tell us why they opted to discontinue these varieties. I fell in love with Destiny. In the market, it put up a fair battle too.

When you talk of persons who did not live up to society's expectations, or cases of premature death, the Destiny potato variety fits both scenarios. We still get quotes from processors about whether we produce the variety. I hope Agrico has second thoughts on the potato variety. Also, among the ten types introduced in 2015 by Agrico, Manitou has stood the test of time thanks to its fast growth rate, climate adaptation and hardiness.

Agrico has undertaken massive efforts to popularize their varieties, with Markies always leading the pack. They have conducted countless demonstration plots for farmers, offered a promotion on seeds, completed farmer training in their farms, and leveraged social media's power. If you need anything about Agrico or Markies, hit them on Facebook, and you get your answers in a few minutes.

Fact sheet on Markies

Use	Chips, Crisps, Table
Areas to be grown	Suitable for all potato-growing zones
Maturity period	Late (3 – 4 months)
Yield potential	High (15 – 20 t)/ acre
Tuber features	Yellow skin/White (local slang)Shallow eyesYellow fleshLong oval tubersGood resistance to internal bruising
Tuber dormancy	>3 months
Dry matter	23% when fully mature
Disease tolerance	Susceptible to early and late blightModerate resistance to leaf roll virusGood resistance to potato Virus X, Virus A, and Virus Ro1 of Potato Cyst Nematodes (PCN)Susceptible to common scab
Seed producer	Agrico Potato Services Africa Limited (PSA)

Markies potato has a strong establishment with large dark green leaves. It has a sturdy stem and produces white flowers. Also, note that not all plants will produce flowers. The flowers are also weak and fall quickly after emergence.

Farmers must understand that Markies potato variety, unlike Shangi, is susceptible to early and late blight. The type, therefore, calls for an intensive crop protection program. It would help if you braced yourself with a strict spray program of superior fungicides with preventive and curative properties. Examples of fungicides to use in your Markies field include Infinito & Zetanil, Bigo & Metacop, Revus, and Globe 76 WG. Any combination will work wonders, and you will achieve the potential yield of the variety - 16 tons/acre.

Case study - USA

The Russet Burbank potato was first introduced in 1857 by Luther Burbank, an American horticulturist. Burbank was a pioneer in plant breeding, and he developed the Russet Burbank potato by crossing two other varieties of potatoes. The Russet Burbank potato was initially met with resistance from farmers, who were reluctant to switch from their traditional types.

However, the Russet Burbank potato quickly proved to be a superior variety. It was resistant to disease, had a long shelf life, and was easy to grow. As a result, the Russet Burbank potato quickly became the most popular potato variety in the United States.

The Russet Burbank potato is still the most popular in the United States. It is used in various dishes, including French fries, mashed potatoes, and potato chips. The Russet Burbank potato is also popular in potato salad and dishes.

The Russet Burbank potato is a success story. It is a variety that was established and faced much resistance but has steadily risen to become superior in the market. The Russet Burbank potato is a testament to the power of innovation and the value of perseverance. Markies Potato has the same testimony, having entered the market the hard way.

Why Farmers are Largely Adopting Markies Potato Variety

• The potato variety is one of the first to be purchased in Kilograms thereby earning farmers decent profit margins.
• When purchased in Kilograms, there is minimal to no exploitation by the middlemen
• Agronomy support from the Agrico, the company which supplies the seeds
• It is highly productive thus increasing the profits for farmers
• Suitable in different climatic conditions thus giving farmers flexibility in seeking land for rotation

Conclusion

The extraordinary journey of Markies potato variety is a warm reminder of the remarkable possibilities that lie dormant within even the most modest origins. Its rise from obscurity to culinary stardom embodies the resilience, determination, and untapped potential within each of us.

If you seek to embark on your journey with this exceptional potato variety, Agrico stands ready to assist you. With Markies seeds from Agrico, you can grow the best possible potatoes. Their seeds are high-quality and guaranteed to produce a good crop.

We also offer various support services to help you grow the best possible crop. Connect with us, and together, we will guide you through every step of the process. From securing your Markies seeds to linking you with processors to offtake your produce, we are committed to ensuring your success.

We stand by your side throughout the growing season, offering expertise, support, and guidance to maximize your potato field's yield. Your success is our success, and we are here to ensure that every step of your journey is met with unwavering dedication and a shared commitment to excellence.

So, let us embark on this amazing cruise together, where the seeds of possibility meet the nurturing hands of ambition. Bid farewell to ordinary expectations and embrace the remarkable potential that awaits the humble potato.

Until we meet again, may your fields flourish, your harvests be abundant, and your weekend tumbukiza be infused with the legacy of Markies. Contact Agrico or Magipo Farm today and step into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the journey of a potato variety transforms into a timeless tale of triumph and inspiration.