By Alfred Zacharia
Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Agriculture Research Institute
(TARI) has invented an ideal technology to develop sugarcane seeds, that can
tolerate drought seasons.
TARI, Managing Director, Dr Thomas Bwana revealed the
technology at the 48 Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair, also known as
Sabasaba, saying that sugarcane plants normally require optimal rainfall during
the vegetative phase to stimulate rapid growth and minimal rains during
maturity stage to improve the quality of sugarcane juice and reduce the water
content in plant tissues.
"With our new technology, growers of sugarcane grow the
sweetener even during drought seasons. This is a good opportunity for farmers
and entrepreneurs to practically get involved in growing sugarcane all seasons"
he said.
According to him, the seeds are drought-resistant and can
grow even in drought seasons without irrigation.
In another development, Dr. Bwana has outlined the core
functions of TARI as to conduct, promote, and coordinate basic, applied, and
strategic agricultural research.
"We also advise the government on the formulation of
national policies, laws, and regulatory frameworks for promoting and regulating
agricultural research," he said.
TARI also adds value to cashew nuts, coconut, ethanol, and
cassava.
Dr. Bwana said the institute has come up with pest resistant
for cassava. The seeds produce big-sized cassava, which is good for business.
TARI, according to him, has development some technologies for
value addition to agricultural products.
"We have technology that can add value to crops to
produce cakes, biscuits, and other products for business," he said.
Out-shells and coconut trees are used to make furniture,
puppets, and decorations.