Tanzania: PS Urges for Research to Address Sugar Scarcity

Sugar

Sugarcane

Tanzania

Published Aug 28, 2020

Tridge summary

PERMANENT Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Gerald Kusaya, has pointed out there is a need for research in sugarcane industry as key measure that would address sugar deficit in the country. Kusaya made the remarks while touring the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute, Kibaha centre (TARI Kibaha) in the Coast Region recently.

Original content

According to PS, sugarcane researchers have a big role to play in addressing sugar scarcity that would ultimately reduce the government's burden of sugar importation. "We believe that, through research in sugarcane industry, the challenge will be resolved if researchers do their job with efficiency, accountability and professionalism. TARI Kibaha through its sugarcane researchers have a huge debt cutting down sugar importation. You should come up with improved seed varieties to increase sugar output in the country," the PS said. According to government statistics, the country's actual annual demand for sugar is about 710,000 tonnes with local producers manufacturing only 320,000 tonnes of the commodity. The PS called on sugarcane researchers to produce improved seeds that are tolerant to pests, diseases and drought. "I know the research is going on as you said that have produced 26 varieties of sugarcane seeds, cassava and potatoes. Keep it up so that we can produce more improved ...

Source: All Africa