TARI To Establish Two New Centers For The Research Of Round Potatoes, Apples In Njombe Region -

Apart From Conducting Professional Research For The Two Crops, The Facilities Will Work To Impart Farmers In The Areas With Agronomic Practices Needed In Cultivation For The Economic Crops.

MOROGORO.THE Tanzania Agriculture Research Institute (TARI) is in preliminary process to establish two new centers for the professional research of Round Potatoes and Apple in Njombe Region

The timely development focuses to improve production and productivity of the two economic cash crops that flourishes well in Tanzania’s Southern Highlands.

Establishment of the facilities will enable production of improved seed varieties for the two crops that fetches lucrative market and prices across the globe.

Despite endowed with soil and weather potential for the cultivation of round potatoes and apples, especially in Njombe, Mbeya, Iringa, and Songwe, lack of research and improved kernels have been depriving the farmers to grow the crops to the needed ebb.

According to the Director General (DG) for TARI, Dr Thomas Bwana the center for the research of round potatoes will be installed at Ibaga village, whereby that for research of apples will be placed in Iniho village, both in Makete District.

The Director expressed delight for the patriotic manner to which the Makete District has decided to set a side chunk land for the inception of the two centers, observing that when established, the facilities will play key role to heighten production of the two crops in Tanzania.

“We, TARI our key role is to research and ensure the farmers across the country are in access to improved seeds varieties for the crops they’re producing,”

“Thus, we don’t have any reason to delay in establishing research centers to ensure round potatoes and apples farmers in the Southern Highlands are getting improved kernels to improve production and productivity,” he assured.

He added, the state- owned seeds research institute has already visited and inspected at least 925 acres that have been earmarked to allow establishment of the centers, observed that the areas are suitable for the purpose.

“Apart from conducting professional research for the two crops, the facilities will work to impart the farmers in the areas with agronomic practices needed for the professional cultivation for the two economic crops,” he expressed.

For his part, the Director of Makete District Council, Mr Jerry Daimon Mwaga said they’re very determined to scale- up production of the two prestigious crops.

“Our vision is first, to revamp mass production of round potatoes and apples, but also to search for vast reliable markets where the farmers will be marketing their produce,”

“It is projected, opening of the research centers will have multiple impact, it will improve involved farmer’s livelihood, district income, as well as national income as a whole,” he insisted.

Round potato production is significant in Tanzania’s Southern Highlands, particularly in the regions of Njombe, Mbeya, Iringa, and Songwe, where it is a key cash crop grown at high altitudes (1,800-2,700m).

Production has been increasing due to its short growing season, potential for multiple harvests, and high demand, making it a vital source of income and food security for smallholder farmers.

Apple production in Tanzania is a growing but nascent sector, concentrated in high-altitude, cold-climate regions like the Southern Highlands, including Njombe, Mbeya, Iringa, and others.

The sector is currently experiencing a transformation with the support of some companies that are working with local farmers to cultivate high-quality, imported apple varieties and develop the value chain for processed apple products like juice.

This development is driven by a large import market for apple products, high profitability due to import costs, and a vision to establish Tanzania as a regional supplier.