Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute

Thirty (30) extension officers from the Tanzania Cotton Board (TCB), Tabora, Mwanza, Katavi, Morogoro and Simiyu regions have been trained on cotton seed production under the Cotton Victoria Project, funded by Brazilian Cooperation (ABC) Agency. The training was well facilitated by Professor Fraga and Professor Pedro from the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA) at TARI Ukiriguru conference hall Misungwi Mwanza from September 23rd to 27th 2024. The purpose of the training was to capacitate the extension officers on matters related to quality seed cotton production so that they acquire the necessary skills to help farmers in their areas towards quality cotton seed production.

The training was officially opened by Hon. Johari Mussa Samizi on Monday, September 23rd, 2024. During her opening remarks, Hon. Johari asked the extension officers to ensure that they acquire the intended knowledge and ultimately equip farmers with those potential skills for high cotton productivity.

Dr. Paul Sabas Saidia, the Center Director of TARI Ukiriguru and the Cotton National Coordinator, urged the trainees to be good ambassadors and help farmers improve cotton seed nurseries in their areas to enhance the quality of cotton seed, marking the essence of the training.

"The training has equipped us with necessary skills for cotton seed production, and we are ready to disseminate the acquired technologies to other extension officers and farmers in our respective areas," said Ms. Mahiri Hellen Nyamosabi, an agricultural extension officer from Kwimba district in Mwanza.