FIRST POTATO TRIAL IN DODOMA SHOWS PROMISING RESULTS

By Our Correspondent – DODOMA RS

The first trial of a new potato variety researched by the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) has shown promising results in Dodoma Region after the crop successfully grew at the farm of former Vice President, H.E. Dr. Philip Mpango, located in Mayamaya Village, Bahi District.

The trial, which lasted 104 days from planting to harvesting, demonstrated that potatoes can thrive under Dodoma’s environmental conditions, opening up new opportunities for food production and increased income for farmers.

Speaking about the results of the trial, H.E. Dr. Philip Mpango thanked TARI for overseeing the research and said the success recorded at Mayamaya was an important step towards expanding the range of crops grown in Dodoma Region.

He urged residents of Dodoma to take advantage of the opportunity once the research is completed and the variety is officially approved for commercial use.

“Residents of Dodoma should now begin to embrace this opportunity. TARI is ready to support us by providing quality seeds that are most suitable for our conditions. This will help us produce food and generate income to support our children’s education. 

Dodoma is not a semi-desert; it is a matter of acquiring knowledge on how to harvest and conserve water to sustain our agriculture. We cannot continue relying only on millet, maize, grapes and sunflower; we must diversify and introduce other crops,” Dr. Mpango said.

For his part, TARI Director General, Dr. Thomas Bwana, thanked Dr. Mpango for allowing the institute to conduct the trial on his farm. He said TARI plans to expand trials of the crop among smallholder farmers who depend on rain-fed agriculture.

Dr. Bwana said TARI would continue conducting research on various crops in different parts of the country to challenge the perception that certain areas are suitable only for specific crops. 

He also urged citizens, particularly farmers, to continue working closely with TARI by allowing agricultural research and trials to be conducted on their farms.

According to the lead potato researcher from TARI Uyole Centre, Dr. Owekisha Kwigizila, the new variety has the potential to mature within approximately 90 days, withstand drought and some diseases, and produce between 35 and 40 tonnes per hectare.

Some residents of Mayamaya Village who participated in the harvesting exercise expressed excitement over how well the crop performed under Dodoma’s conditions. 

They said it was their first time seeing potatoes being grown successfully in the area and expressed interest in cultivating the crop once it receives official approval.

Research on the crop in Dodoma Region is still ongoing as TARI works to complete all the necessary scientific procedures before the new variety can officially enter the market.

The success of the trial further demonstrates Dodoma’s potential to produce a wider variety of food and commercial crops through research, innovation and the use of modern agricultural technologies. 

The development could contribute to increased productivity, higher incomes and greater economic opportunities for farmers across Dodoma Region.