EAGC held its 2022 annual Agribusiness Expo in Uyole, Mbeya on 10th June. The Expo was held in partnership with the Tanzania Agricultural Training Institute (TARI) – Uyole and supported by the Alliance for a Green revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the Trade Mark East Africa (TMEA).
The expo which featured the theme “Agribusiness Transformation: Prepare to be counted for Sustainable Strategic Planning and Development”. Various exhibitors among them Seedco, Beula Seeds, Yara, Minjingu Fertilizers, Ministry of Agriculture training institute (MAT-uyole), Zamaeed, Kibo Seed, Resilience Insurance, Syova and Panaar Seed, showcased their various technological innovations.
Speaking at the expo, the Chief Guest of Honor Mr. Zuberi Homera, the Regional Commissioner for Mbeya, lauded the organizers of the expo, noting that the initiative is a major boost to agricultural stakeholders especially farmers. He urged stakeholders to utilize certified seeds, engage in strategic partnerships for access to quality inputs and sustainable input access program, quality crop production, capacity building and to increase the value of crops to increase income and profitability.
TARI’s Deputy Director General Dr. Richard Kasuga, thanked the official guest and the Mbeya regional leadership for prioritizing supporting research, especially in TARI Uyole Center. He commended the sixth phase Government led by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania Ms. Samia Suluhu Hassan, and the Ministry of Agriculture under the Minister of Agriculture Mr. Hussein Bashe for allocating funds for research and production of quality seeds. Dr. Kasuga added that in 2021/22 the Government allocated TARI 11 billion shillings for development funds from about 7 billion in 2020/21. In addition, in the year 2022/23 the Government has allocated TARI 41 billion development funds. The funds will contribute to the achievement of Agenda 10/30 by increasing access to quality seeds and advancing agricultural research.
TARI introduced the technologies of cereal crops (wheat, maize and sorghum), beans, soybean pyrethrum, round potatoes, apricots and agricultural engineering.
While welcoming the official guest TARI Director Uyole Dr. Tulole L. Bucheyeki said, this is the fourth (4) year in a row, agricultural trade fairs have been organized in partnership with stakeholders where it has successfully connected stakeholders in the value chain.
Dkt. Bucheyeki added that, this exhibition is important because the results of the research cannot bring the intended productivity without involving stakeholders in disseminating such technologies. The expo attracted over 1300 farmers.
