Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute

TheTanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) through the Ukiriguru center in collaboration with MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Association) has conducted training on Good Agricultural Practices for cassava and sweet potatoes for fifteen (15) farmers, producers, and entrepreneurs of quality sweet potato and cassava seeds from Shinyanga, Geita, Kagera, and Mwanza regions. The aim of the training was to enable farmers who are entrepreneurs of sweet potato seeds to acquire knowledge to run good cassava and sweet potato farming to meet market needs.

The training was held for five consecutive days from 15 to 20 April 2024 in the TARI Ukiriguru conference room where land preparation, selection of the best seeds, sowing, good use of fertilizers and pesticides, and marketing of cassava and sweet potato were covered.

"I am very grateful to TARI and MEDA for bringing this important training to cassava and sweet potato producers and entrepreneurs. The training will increase the scope of marketing of the two crops and finally increase income and ensure food security," said Mr. Mikidadi Selemani Mpina, an entrepreneurial farmer of potato crops from Geita region.

Dr. Hadija Ally, a sweet potato crop researcher at TARI Ukiriguru, added that this training will provide an opportunity for cassava and sweet potato farmers to produce both crops in a recommendable way to increase productivity and income. Additionally, the training provided an opportunity to discuss various methods and challenges of cassava cultivation to meet market needs.