Tanzanian researchers release new, improved beans varieties

Tanzanian researchers on Monday launched new beans varieties that won't hurt people with stomach ulcers and they are more resistant to drought and diseases.

The launch of the new bean varieties came at the time when there is an increasing number of people suffering from stomach ailments, and they have always avoided beans, but now researchers have come up with new beans varieties that will be friendly to all sensitive colons.

Agricultural Research Institutes in the country here have just floated 27 new types of seed inputs, among them nine new beans varieties are more resistant to drought and diseases.

"The new bean seeds are bountiful, being capable of producing 1.2 tons per acre which is six times the current rate and is a major stride from the traditionally recycled seeds whose yielding capacity stands at 200 kilogram per acre," said Firmin Mizambwa, Chief Executive Officer for the Agriculture Seeds Agency.

Seed producers in the country are heavily dependent on rain to grow the inputs, which plagues agricultural development in Tanzania.

"We need to synchronize the time when seed producer readies their inputs and the planting season for farmers if we are to be sure of interdependency between the two parties," Mizambwa said.

As far as the Agriculture Seeds Agency CEO is concerned, seed producers must use alternative ways other than waiting for rain like ordinary farmers.

"Only 25 percent of farmers use improved seeds varieties in the country and surprisingly many are those in Dodoma, Singida, Mwanza, Tanga and Coast," said Wilson Nkhambaku, the Arumeru District Commissioner.

He added that Arusha, despite hosting many of the agricultural research centers, does not make use of the new seeds. Endit