Tanzania: Seed Production Established for Local Farmers

Posted on :Friday , 5th August 2016

Lindi — Following President John Magufuli's call for production of pigeon peas, green gram, cow peas, cashew nuts and other crops that are highly needed in India, the Naliendele Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) said yesterday that it is prepared to produce seeds that will enable farmers to get more yields and manage to supply both local and international markets.

NARI Research Officer, Mr Juma Mfaume said the institute is continuing with research in various areas and that so far there were enough varieties to maintain both local and international markets.

"There are so many types of crops which have been researched and certified by other bodies to be grown in the country," he said. Commenting on the President's call, Mr Mfaume said NARI is ready anytime to take any challenge, and called on farmers to use seeds that have been researched by the institute.

"When NARI research and produce a certain type of seed, it means that the particular seed is genuine and can sustain all climatic challenges, we are doing our researches in a genuine environment, therefore our seeds are strong enough to face climatic challenges in the country," he said.

According to Mr Mfaume, most seeds that are produced by NARI are disease resistant, can sustain drought and are capable to sustain attacks from harmful insects. Last month, President Magufuli said during the two-day tour of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that India offers a huge market for Tanzanian chickpeas, green grams and pigeon peas, which are the favourite among Indian consumers.

Indians, most of whom are vegetarians, consume 23 million tonnes of peas annually against her production capacity of 17 million tonnes. There is, therefore, a deficit of six million tonnes of peas that India imports, a huge business opportunity for Tanzania, which last year exported 200 million US dollars (over 400bn/-) worth of peas, to the Asian nation.

India agreed to fund commercial production of peas in Tanzania. But, India too offers immense market for Tanzanian cashew nut, with over 90 per cent of the produce exported in raw form to India for processing.

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