TARI heightens production of improved seeds

Moreover, in the same period of two years, the state –owned search research Institute also managed to improve production of seedlings/stems/plants from 7,998,784 in 2021/22 to 19,822,349 in 2023, including avocado, palms, cassava, sugar cane, round potatoes, cashews, fruits as well as spices.

Giving an exclusive interview to The Guardian in Dodoma Capital City, the Director General (DG) for TARI, Dr. Geoffrey Mkamilo said the development was part of concerted efforts by the institute to assure the farmers across the country are equipped by enough improved seeds varieties to help them expanding their crop’s production and productivity.

"In terms of the distribution of the best agricultural technologies, we have succeeded in opening four Agricultural Technology Transfer Hubs (ATH) in different areas of the country, including the Nyakabindi Bub in Simiyu,  Nzuguni (Dodoma), Fatma Mwasa (Tabora) and the Morogoro- based Mwalimu Julius Nyerere  center," he explained.

Together with that, Dr. Mkailo added that as part of ensuring that research results bring about positive changes to the agricultural sector in Tanzania, the institute had successfully disseminated the outcomes of various researches to about 5,497,547 stakeholders including farmers, extension officers and other relevant stakeholders.

"The methods used to distribute these technologies include various farmers' exhibitions, farmers' days, agribusiness exhibitions, special tailor made training, innovative platforms and series of on- farm classes," he explained.

In addition to these methods, he informed that they were also to make use of various media outlets, including Radio, Newspapers, Television and social networks to educate farmers on the correct applications of the technologies that among others, focuses to help increase production and productivity in the key sector in which the national economy hinges.

Apart from distributing the innovative technologies, the institution has also managed to continue with construction works for the renovations of the important infrastructure with an eye to improve the efficiency in research.

“Construction of our offices at its Kihinga centre in Kigoma region and four staff houses has so far reached at least 68 percent, whereby construction works of TARI headquarters in Njedengwa area in Dodoma Capital City has by now reached at least  31 percent,” Dr. Mkamilo infomed.

He assured that TARI will continue working faster and smart to research and breed improved seeds varieties for the all crops that are thriving in all agroecological zones across the country, but also to disseminate the much needed technologies to capacitate the farmers to cultivate more professionally.

TARI has a network of 9 research Centres and 8 Sub Centres. The Centres are TARI Makutupora, TARI Ilonga, TARI Selian, TARI Ukiriguru, TARI Naliendele, TARI Mlingano, TARI Tumbi, TARI Uyole and TARI Kihinga. The Sub Centres are TARI Hombolo, TARI Dakawa, TARI Maruku, TARI Mikocheni, TARI Tengeru, TARI Kifyulilo, TARI Ifakara and TARI TARI Kibaha. TARI Headquarters is located in Dodoma.