TARI to further advance research on improved seeds, technologies
TANZANIA – The Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving seed varieties and agricultural technologies to boost crop productivity and support the nation’s agricultural development goals.
This commitment was highlighted by TARI Director General, Dr. Thomas Bwana, during a workshop in Dodoma that gathered stakeholders, researchers, and farmers from across the nation.
The forum focused on improved seed systems for crops like groundnuts, sorghum, and beans, especially in the context of adapting to climate challenges.
Dr. Bwana emphasized that TARI’s research and innovation efforts are key to supporting Tanzanian farmers as they adapt to changing climate conditions.
Recently, TARI introduced 16 new seed varieties, including six for beans (TARIBEAN 6-11), two for groundnuts (TARIKA 1 and TARIKA 2), and two for sorghum (TARISOR 1 and TARISOR 2), all designed to increase resilience and yield in Tanzania’s diverse agricultural landscape.
This seed variety improvement falls under the Accelerated Varietal Turnover for Pollinated Crops (ACCELERATE) project, which aims to improve seed systems and enhance adoption among small-scale farmers.
According to Emmanuel Thomas, National Coordinator of the Accelerating Variety Turnover in Seed Systems in Africa (AVISA) project, the new varieties are tailored to meet local needs and market demands.
He stressed the importance of market intelligence, which the workshop focused on, to guide farmers in selecting the best crop varieties for profitability and sustainability.
Tanzanian farmers attending the workshop shared testimonies of the benefits of improved seeds. Olipa Mahala, a sorghum farmer from Chamwino, reported that the TARISOR 1 variety increased her yield significantly, from 4-5 sacks per hectare to 15-20 sacks.
Meanwhile, Agatha Lazier, a peanut butter processor from Dar es Salaam, encouraged farmers to seek expert advice on crop selection to enhance productivity and meet market needs. These improved varieties are also expected to provide resilience against droughts and other climate challenges impacting Tanzanian agriculture.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s recent allocation of 100 million Tanzanian shillings (US$36,741) to TARI’s Hombolo Centre further emphasizes the government’s support for research and quality seed production.
This funding aims to boost access to quality seeds and agricultural knowledge among farmers, contributing to food security and economic growth across Tanzania.
The Dodoma workshop is part of a broader initiative, with similar events held in Arusha and Dar es Salaam, reaching over 200 stakeholders in collaboration with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).
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