Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute

CHINA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY TO PARTNER WITH TARI IN SEED RESEARCH

The Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) has hosted a team of six agricultural experts from China Agricultural University (CAU) who visited TARI Headquarters today and met with Management to discuss on possible areas of collaboration. 

Speaking to the delegates, TARI’s Director General – Dr. Thomas Bwana presented on the role of TARI in the development of improved technologies, dissemination and agricultural research policy formation in Tanzania. 

In his remarks, Dr. Bwana said, “TARI has conducted extensive agricultural research work which aims to address farmers’ challenges, needs and demands through its 17 Centre's located across the country. Most research are in the areas of crop breeding, soil health, farm techniques, irrigation, mechanization, precision agriculture in application of pesticide, marketing research where focus is on farmers’ accessibility to markets, value addition and adoption of technologies developed.”

Dr. Bwana expressed TARI’s readiness to collaborate with CAU to leverage on their expertise together with TARI’s potential in hopes to form a strong partnership forward.

The Chinese delegation led by Prof. XU Xiuli - Dean of College of International Development and Global Agriculture (CIDGA) from CAU spoke of how local farmers in China and Tanzania share similar experiences in using improved seed varieties. 

Field research results show only 70% of local farmers use improved seeds despite many Government initiatives. An experience in which is also found in China. 

Experts from CAU have shown interest to partner with TARI, following their visit to TARI Dakawa Centre and their extensive work in the maize intensification program in Morogoro Region.

TARI through partnerships has significantly benefitted by leveraging on scientific expertise, exchange of scientific knowledge, fostered innovation and funding.  It partners with other academic institutions in Tanzania and outside including Shandong Agricultural University and Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences from China