The Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), through its Naliendele Centre in Mtwara, has reaffirmed its position as a key driver in the development of the cashew industry in the country.
Working closely with the Cashew Board of Tanzania (CBT), the institute has made major strides in improving production, enhancing quality, and expanding markets for cashew nuts both locally and internationally.
Speaking during the annual cashew stakeholders’ meeting held in Dodoma on August 22, the Director of TARI Naliendele Centre,Dr Geladina Mzena, said the institute has achieved significant milestones in seed development.
“We have successfully produced improved cashew varieties that are disease-resistant and high-yielding. These seeds have been distributed to farmers in Lindi, Mtwara, Ruvuma and parts of the Central Zone,” she said.
To promote best practices, TARI has established demonstration farms under block farming initiatives, including the Masigati farm in Manyoni, which serves as a training centre for farmers and other stakeholders in the cashew value chain.
Dr Mzena noted that the institute is also championing domestic consumption of cashew-based products to complement export efforts.
During the Southern Zone Nane Nane Agricultural Exhibition, TARI and CBT dedicated a special day to showcase cashew-derived products such as cashew milk, cashew-flavoured pastries and roasted nuts. The initiative aims to create local demand and reduce dependence on foreign markets.
Additionally, the institute has partnered with stakeholders such as the Tanzania Prisons Service and agricultural extension officers to scale up the production and distribution of quality seedlings, a move expected to increase productivity and farmers’ earnings.
According to Dr Mzena, TARI’s research and technology interventions have added value to the cashew sector, creating employment opportunities, improving household incomes and boosting foreign exchange earnings for the nation.
“These achievements reflect TARI’s commitment, together with the Cashew Board, to promote modern and competitive agriculture. Through research, farmer education and market promotion, Tanzania is steadily strengthening its position in the global cashew industry,” she said.