Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute

Under Project Cotton Victoria, a team of the ongoing steering committee in Mwanza, Tanzania, on recently, paid a visit to Shinyanga to witness the adoption of cotton technologies, including the new sowing spacing (60cm X 30cm), manual trimming, fertilizer application, and agronomic practices regarding cotton production.

Andrea Maganga is a cotton-growing farmer in Sayu village in the Shinyanga region who has adopted the mentioned agricultural technologies. "I used to harvest 300-500 with the previous 90cm X 40cm spacing, and now I am proud to have harvested 1500 - 2200 depending on the weather change. This remarkable cotton productivity has been achieved not only by applying the new spacing but also other technologies like manual trimming and proper fertilizer application," Andrea added.

Felipe Garcia Gomes, Deputy Head of Mission, who came in the capacity of representing the Ambassador of Brazil in Tanzania as Charge d'Affaires, congratulated the farmers for the great job and for adopting the technologies.

On his side, Mr.  Marco Mtunga (Director General - TCB) insisted that farmers proceed adhering to good agronomic practices as well as applying the new sowing spacing recommended by researchers. "TCB will continue to be hand in hand with cotton-growing farmers by making sure that they get seeds, pesticides, and the extension services required," Dr. Mtunga said. He also added that TCB is expecting to hire 500 agricultural extension officers to reach more farmers with agricultural services. Speaking about the fluctuation of cotton prices, Mtunga urged farmers not to fear because the cotton price isn't a problem; the problem is all about

productivity.

Moreover, Dr. Paul Sabas Saidia (TARI Ukiriguru - Center Director and the National Cotton Coordinator) said that TARI Ukiriguru has done a lot to ensure that cotton productivity is improved. "It is the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute which came up with new Cotton sowing spacing, Rafiki planter, fertilizer application, as well as manual trimming," Saidia said.

Finally, the team visited Nguge AMCOSS located at Nguge village in Misungwi District where they got an opportunity to witness various operations executed, including buying cotton at the recommended price.