Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute

Researchers from the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) Selian Center earlier this week have conducted a farmer’s assessment activity on wheat seeds varieties at Karatu district in Arusha region and Siha in Kilimanjaro region.

In this exercise, farmers have had the opportunity to evaluate the various wheat seeds varieties planted in the demonstration fields in their villages to see which types have good results in the areas and does well in the market.

In addition, the Farmers have congratulated TARI for including them in participating at the evaluation process and added that researchers should focus more on improving seeds that are resilient to diseases, have high yields and are drought tolerant.

Theobald Chagga, a researcher from the Wheat department at TARI Selian has said that the exercise was very important for researchers work because by involving the farmers they acquire ideas to improve the seeds according to the needs of the farmers.

Eliuza Yona Mngumi, the Agricultural Officer of Rhotia ward in Karatu district, has asked TARI Selian through its researchers to conduct researches on the best wheat seeds that will do well in the region so that farmers can get more and better crops.

And the wheat farmer from Karatu Petro Tango has said that the wheat seed evaluation exercise was of great benefit to the farmers as they hope to get the best wheat seeds that are compatible with their region while explaining the characteristics that the farmers consider in the best wheat seeds are those that have weight and they are resistant to diseases.

Farmers at Siha District particating on wheat seed evaluation process on demonstration plots

Farmers at Karatu District particating on wheat seed evaluation process on demonstration plots