Since tomato is one of the short- time perishable crops, most of the farmers and sellers of the fruit often incur economic losses
MOROGORO. MAPPED in eastern Tanzania, Morogoro is the country’ leading tomato-producing region, with the Mvomero District being a major center.
Despite being endowed with all potentials for the production of the edible berry fruit, the farmers within the region have for long been upsetted with a number of setbacks, including poor post- harvest loss management.
Other challenges troubled the tomato farmers in the region are pests like thrips and whiteflies, diseases, and environmental factors like moisture stress.
To that end, the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) through it Kibaha- based Center has decided to hatch a special project to empower the tomato growers in Kilosa District on how practically to counter the challenges.
In the robust project which focuses to impart the farmers with vital tomato processing skills, TARI is bridging efforts with the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH), the Morogoro- based the Small Industries Development Organization (SIDO).
The general vision behind the project dubbed ‘Reducing Post-Harvest Losses and Increasing Farmers’ Income Through Tomato Products’ is to ensure the tomato farmers are equally benefiting from their farming works, possibly through adding value to their tomato produce.
Furthermore, the project’s training sought to empower the participants on simple, but better tomato processing skills, as well as shaping their business management.
Speaking during the climax of a recent- ended farmer’s training clinic held in Kilosa District, Ms. Mather Manyaku said the project has helped to assist most of women entrepreneurs to cheat poverty.
She was speaking on behalf of the Dumila- based SAMARIA WOMEN GROUP, one of the project’s beneficiary groups.
“We’re very thankful to TARI Kibaha, and all other partners in the project because through this initiative most entrepreneur women are currently masterminding to tap diverse entrepreneurship opportunities available in tomato sector,’ she appreciated.
She added, through effective training on post- harvest loss management, the project has placed the farmers on a better benefiting leg.
On his side, Mr. Philip Shimba, the agricultural pundits from the Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA) said the initiative was also working to train the farmers on market linkages for the fruit crop.
For his part, Mr. Shaka Hamdu Shaka, the District Commissioner (DC) for Kilosa said that the Government’s strategy is to establish a tomato processing plant in the District.
In more strategies to promote performance of the farmers, the DC also unveiled plans to empower the struggling farmers to own small-scale processing machines.
ABOUT TARI KIBAHA
TARI Kibaha is a sub-center of the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) that serves as a national center of excellence for sugarcane research and also conducts research on root crops like cassava and sweet potato.
Formerly known as the Sugarcane Research Institute (SRI) Kibaha, it was established in 1971 under the East African Community. TARI Kibaha’s mandate includes conducting, promoting, and coordinating research, developing technologies, and providing services like tissue culture and laboratory testing.
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