In a bid to bolster agricultural productivity and mitigate the impact of climate change, the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) has prioritized soil analysis as a vital tool for farmers to adapt to changing environmental conditions and enhance food security in the country.
Dr. Furaha Mrosso, Acting Director for Research and Innovation at TARI, emphasized the crucial role soil analysis plays in enabling farmers to understand their soil types and choose suitable crops for cultivation. He made these remarks during the annual review meeting held in Bukoba Municipal, attended by researchers from TARI Ukiriguru (Mwanza) and TARI Maruku (Kagera).
Dr. Mrosso highlighted the long-standing issue of farmers cultivating crops without proper soil analysis, leading to meager incomes despite their hard work. He urged Tanzanian farmers to seize the emerging opportunities and diversify their crop cultivation, leveraging soil analysis to achieve agricultural success.
With approximately 17 centers across the country, TARI's efforts are supported by increased government funding in the agricultural sector, which includes reducing fertilizer prices and encouraging private sector investment, aiming to create meaningful employment opportunities for youth and women.
Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Hussein Bashe, unveiled the Ministry's budget for 2023/2024, emphasizing the commitment to implementing strategies that aim for a 10% growth in the agricultural sector by 2030. The goal is to establish a robust foundation safeguarding Tanzania's economy until 2050.
As part of these efforts, TARI Maruku Manager, Dr. Mpoki Shimwela, disclosed a government allocation of approximately 500 million Tanzanian shillings for the construction of a tissue culture laboratory during the 2023/2024 financial year. This laboratory will focus on improving banana and coffee crops, providing farmers with high-quality seedlings at a significantly reduced cost, compared to the current market prices, fostering sustainable agricultural practices.
Despite the challenges posed by diseases like Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW), affecting banana crops in regions like Kagera, Tanzania's agricultural sector continues to evolve. With research and innovation at the forefront, TARI's initiatives signal a proactive approach towards ensuring food security, increasing farmers' incomes, and fortifying the agricultural backbone of the nation.