Research Institute students speak out on agricultural challenges

Sagile Nelson

At this period of increasing drought, pests and diseases, agricultural research is must. We need to build more advanced research institutions such as biotechnology lab to be able to conduct tissue culture. It is only through biotechnology forexample that farmers will get rid of the diseases.

Khamis Fabian

Mwanza and Mara are some of the regions which are hit hard by viral diseases. Many farmers are battling against cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), maize lethal Nicrosis diseases and striga. So, the government should take them serious by deploying scientists and agricultural researchers in rural farms to stamp them out.

Masalo Faustine

Some areas are facing shortage of food due to lack of appropriate technology to equip farmers with knowledge and skills to produce more food. I think this is not a time of waiting for the rains, rather we should work out other alternative technologies of increasing productivity

Zawadi Mvugaro

Mara region is leading for having many strains so we need advanced research to get varieties which are responding to the emerging challenges such as cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD).

Shani Kabuta

In the past we had many cassava varieties which used to shed leaves during dry season and replenish during rain season. Farmers would harvest cassava any time they want. But today, things have changed, a situation which calls for more research.

Pendo Matulanya

I hear that there is strict liability in the biosafety regulations. There are also some activists who are opposing this biotechnology. I would suggest that the government should prepare on farm trials, one with biotech and another with traditional means so that people and farmers can see the difference for themselves.

Emmanuel Paul

As for the students like me, there should be more practicals so that we can gain knowledge and experience. So, students should be given more room in these advanced agriculture research institutes like MARI to learn more on crop diseases.