Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute

Farmers in Rombo District in Kilimanjaro Region have admitted to not having enough knowledge on how to increase the mung beans value which has made them to sell it to the neighbouring country at a low price.

The farmers have said this earlier yesterday during the Farmer's field day which was held in the Holili Vijijini village at Rombo District where as 180 farmers participated in the day.

"We never knew if mung beans could be made into something else so whenever  we harvest in large quantities, we lack a reliable market and sell to our neighbours who pay us a low price", said Fatuma Abdala, a Holili village farmer.

Beatrice Seth Mbwambo, a farmer from Holili village, added that, "we have been growing mung beans without knowing its value. If the price drops, we store it inside, but today we have learned that with this crop you can make biscuits, porridge flour and cakes, things that can increase our income. I am really inspired".

Laurent Damas Tarimo, a farmer from Holili Village, has said that after being given education on how to increase the value of mung beans, he advises his fellow farmers not to sell at a low price but to focus on increasing the value of the crop.

Meanwhile Mary Mdachi, a researcher from the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute {TARI}, Selian centre said that through the established demonstration plots at Holili and the Farmer's field day conducted, farmers have been able to learn how to add value to the mung beans crop in terms of economy and nutrition.

"I believe the price of this crop might increase because farmers already know its value and even if they harvest while waiting for the price to rise, they will be able to make various products that will increase their income," emphasized Mdachi.

In addition, a researcher from the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute {TARI} Selian centre Doctor Papias Binagwa has said that through the Tanzania Food Systems Resilience Program (TFSRP/P4R) implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, they have been able to establish demonstration plots in Rombo District so as to encourage farmers on Good Agricultural practices for mung beans crops.

"Through this program we have been able to demonstrate two types of mung beans seeds, namely TARI-G-GRAM-1 which is capable of producing 6-8 bags of one hundred kilos per acre and the other  is TARI-G-GRAM-2 capable of producing 8-12 sacks of one hundred kilos per acre", explained Dr. Papias.

He said that the seeds mature in a short period of time which is convenient in areas where there is little rainfall also farmers have learnt good farming practices like spacing and the use of fertilizers whereas previously they were not practicing.