By Sifras Kingamkono
Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (Tari) has unveiled a groundbreaking innovation to transform farming practices in the country. Dr. Thomas N. Bwana, the Director General of Tari, announced the development of a tool named "Rafiki Planet," designed to streamline seed planting with precision and efficiency.
Speaking at the Science and Technology Exhibition organized by Costech and the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology, Dr. Bwana emphasized Tari's commitment to addressing challenges faced by farmers through research and innovative technologies.
“Our primary responsibility at Tari is to solve the problems of our citizens by conducting research and ensuring the outcomes are technologically viable,” said Dr. Bwana.
He elaborated on the significance of the Rafiki Planet tool, highlighting its ability to plant seeds in straight rows and at consistent intervals. “Rafiki Planet is designed to reduce farmers' time planting crops in rural areas. Where traditional farming methods may take days, this tool can plant one hectare in just an hour,” he stated.
Initially developed for cotton planting, Rafiki Planet has since been adapted for other crops like sunflower and maize.
Dr. Bwana noted that the tool is a game-changer for small-scale farmers, easing their workload and improving efficiency. “It ensures seeds are planted at the correct spacing, addressing the problem of inconsistent planting that often affects yields,” he added.
Tari has also focused on providing improved seeds, enhancing market access, and developing proper storage solutions to further support farmers.
Dauson Joseph, an innovator and researcher at Tari, provided additional insights into the capabilities of Rafiki Planet.
He described it as a user-friendly tool specifically designed for planting sunflowers and maize. The device ensures seeds are spaced accurately at 30 centimeters between plants and 60 centimeters between rows.
“Planting involves various factors, and precision is crucial. Farmers often spend significant time manually planting using hoes, which can take up to eight hours for just one hectare,” Joseph explained. “With Rafiki Planet, the same task can be accomplished in one hour, drastically improving productivity.”
This innovation reflects Tari's broader mission to develop solutions that enhance agricultural productivity and support farmers across Tanzania.
By combining cutting-edge research with practical tools like Rafiki Planet, the institute aims to revolutionize farming and contribute to the nation’s food security and economic growth.