Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute

Cassava variety TARICASS 4 was identified by farmers as the best among nine varieties that were planted for demonstration at Ms. Asha Nassoro farm. This was revealed at Cassava Farmers Field Day which was recently conducted at  Urambo District, Tabora region.

The aim of the event was to introduce improved cassava varieties and involve farmers to assess their performance to guide seed multipliers to produce and supply quality planting materials from the most preferred cassava varieties. The assessment, found variety Kiroba to be the second preferred followed by TARICASS 5 in the third position. Variety Mkumba was ranked fourth by being drought resistant. Variety Mkuranga was the least prefered  by farmers because of its poor performance at this site with poor quality roots. 

During the event, farmers visited the farm which was established at a lead farmer Ms Asha Nassoro hLuvilinga. Asha is a seed producer, certified by Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI).  At the onset of the event, farmers and TARI experts visited the huufield in groups where they had the opportunity to view and discuss the performance of each variety in terms of a number of qualities. The qualities included seed availability, reaction to diseases, drought tolerance, number of roots, and shapes of the roots among others.  Farmers also tested boiled roots and chewed raw roots to assess starch content and their taste. 

 The event was organized by Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture ( IITA).  The event was graced by Honorable Kenan Kihongosi, District Commissioner for Urambo District as the Guest of Honour. Other dignitaries present were District Officials from Urambo district Council. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Kenan was very delighted with the efforts being taken by researchers to advance the best cassava varieties to farmers. He was grateful to Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) and International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) for their commitments in research and development to ensure the country is food secure, and at the same time improve the livelihood of farmers and in particular the youth and women. 

The event was organized under the auspicious of *Muhogo Bora project* that has been implemented in Tanzania since 2021.  The Muhogo Bora project is being implemented with financing from  Cornell University. Other collaborating Partners are IITA, MED, NextGen Cassava,  BASICS -II, TOSCI, and Local Government Authories.