Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute

In Tanzania, the annual demand for edible oil is estimated to be 570,000 metric tonnes. Currently, the country production capacity for edible oil is only 205,000 metric tonnes; much of it originates from sunflower crop while other crops like groundnuts, sesame and palm oil have a minimal contribution. The remaining gap of 365,000 metric tonnes, in most cases, is corrected by imports from neighbouring countries. 

To address the problem of edible oil shortage in the country, the government decided to invest in other options, specifically palm oil tree cropping (https://www.kilimo.go.tz/index.php/en/highlights/view/kusaya-agizo-la-waziri-mkuu-kuhusu-mbegu-bora-za-michikichi-latekelezwa-kig).

In response to the above decision, TARI through its centres (Kihinga -palm oil research lead institute, Ilonga - collaborating institute) initiated breeding programs and nurseries for palm oil trees in 2019. Currently Ilonga centre has a palm oil parent nursery and approximately 80,000 seedlings, ready for transplanting in the 2021 season.

Ilonga centre organised an official event to distribute free palm oil seedling to farmers. The event took place on 04 May 2021 and the guest of honour was the Kilosa District Commissioner, Hon. Adam I. Ngovi . During the event farmers from neighbouring villages and other districts (Mvomero, Gairo and Morogoro rural) were invited and received free palm oil seedlings ready for transplanting in their fields. For more information, please see https://youtu.be/rOkL6_WIBnc