Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute

Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Hon. David Silinde (MP) has visited TARI Ukiriguru early January, 10th ,2024 with the aim of learning about different research activities undertaken in particular cotton.

During his presence at TARI Ukiriguru, Hon.Silinde congratulated researchers on the outstanding research work being performed. He was also pleased with the innovation of Rafiki planter which easy sowing process of cotton seeds in a recommended spacing (60cm – Inter spacing and 30cm – Intra spacing), being operated by one operator and using only 45 minutes-1hr per unlike 8-9hrs used by 10-12 people per unit area of one acre.

He said that “The government under good governance of her excellence President Samia Suluhu Hasani is expecting to see increase in productivity of cotton per unit area since cotton contributes much to foreign currency”. He added by saying that the government is expecting to invest much in irrigation infrastructure at Nkanziga area that will enable full year production of cotton as well as improving the working environment of researchers in general.