Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute

On 20th May,2023 the cereals and other produce board (CPB) held a meeting at Rock City Mall in Mwanza which brought together different stakeholders from public institutions and Private sectors. The meeting aimed at identifying the opportunities in which CPB can work together with stakeholders.

The Tanzania agricultural research institute (TARI) was well represented by Dkt.Paul Sabas Saidia (TARI Ukiriguru Center Director). “TARI is not only the institute having mandate to conduct research of different crops but also has the Farm Business Unit (FABU), is there a way that CPB can cooperate with TARI in the area of research and FABU too?” Dr. Saidia asked.

Responding to the question asked, Salum Awadhi, CPB board of Directors’ Chairman said that CPB will make the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will enable CPB get to buy the cereals and other produce from TARI as well as strengthening partnership in the area research. However, he asked the CPB Director General and his team to meet with TARI and discuss the best way of addressing their partnerships.

On 23.05.2023 a delegate from Cereals and other produce board (CPB) Lake zone center based in Mwanza paid their visit at TARI Ukiriguru to discuss with the management team on the areas of partnership in research and Farm Business Unit (FABU). The CPB delegate led by Dr.Alfred B.Kalimaze (CPB-Lake Zone Zonal Manager) explained to the management the role CPB and the areas in which the two institutes can make partnership. “The role of CPB is to make business of Cereals and other crops on behalf of the government. However, in lake zone CPC focuses to buy Rice where by other Zones of Tanzania focuses on other crops too” Dr.Alfred B.Kalimaze said .He also added by saying that CPB and TARI are all under the Ministry of Agriculture and therefore there is no reason as to why partnership should not be made among the two institutions.

It was finally, agreed that CPB will soon make MoU with TARI so that cereals and other produced through the TARI- Farm Business Unit (FABU) are all bought. On the other hand, the CPB Zonal Manager showed interest of seeking technical consultations from TARI scientists like Plant Breeders who will help CPB to come up with the best seeds which are not only preferred by clients but also are productive. The other area noted to be important for partnership was for the Root and Tuber crops like Cassava. “We are expecting to open up a new industry for processing cassava to get cassava flour which will be mixed with maize flour and well packed. This brings an opportunity for TARI Ukiriguru through FABU to produce more Cassava and Maize as well since they will all be sold to CPB.” Dr. Alfred said. He also requested to have a further discussion with researchers dealing with sweet potatoes so that they come up with areas of partnerships.