Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute

The Industries, Trade, Agriculture and Livestock Parliamentary Committee has commended the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) for the ongoing rehabilitation of the Soil laboratory and construction of the Tissue Culture Lab at the TARI Mlingano Centre in Tanga Region.

The Committee applauded TARI’s efforts during their official visit at the Centre held on March 15, 2024 to inspect the progress of the much anticipated internationally accredited laboratory once renovation and installation of latest laboratory equipment is complete.

The Committee’s Chairperson Hon. Deodatus Mwanyika admitted to generally being satisfied with the progress of the works completed and asked TARI management to fast track the remaining works as well as the accreditation process to meet the project deadline.

Hon. Mwanyika said, “The Committee Members have been impressed by the good work done at the TARI Mlingano Centre and have promised to provide assistance whenever needed in order to further TARI’s efforts in providing farmers with practical solutions through Agricultural Research”.

He further went on to say, "Our President has a great vision in elevating the agriculture sector of this country; and we ought to follow suit of her vision and by making Tanzania a food basket for Africa”.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture Hon. David Silinde promised before the Committee to make personal follow up the renovations and ensure that all works are completed in time as scheduled by April 30, 2024. It is expected once completed, the laboratory will at initial stages be able to test 20,000 soil samples per year.

The TARI Mlingano Centre was established in 1934 and since then, it has carried out the national mandate of conducting and coordinating all research related to sisal and soil health in Tanzania. To date, TARI Mlingano has discovered one of the popularly grown sisal variety worldwide – Hybrid 11648.