Proposal to Expand Irish Potato Trials Among Smallholder Farmers

TLDR

• The Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) has conducted a successful trial of a new Irish potato seed variety in Dodoma Region, specifically in Mayamaya Village.
• The trial lasted 104 days from planting to harvesting and showed that Irish potatoes can thrive in Dodoma's climatic conditions.
• Retired Vice President H.E. Dr. Philip Mpango praised TARI for the promising results and encouraged local residents to embrace potato farming once the research is completed.
• Dr. Mpango emphasized the importance of diversifying crops in Dodoma, stating that reliance on traditional crops like sorghum and maize should be reduced.
• TARI plans to expand the trials among smallholder farmers who rely on rain-fed agriculture, aiming to challenge the notion that certain areas are only suitable for specific crops.