AGCOT: Making Farming Attractive, One Harvest at a Time

Field Day Celebration in Lusinga, Kilolo – A New Chapter for Potato Farming in Tanzania

Lusinga Village, Dabaga Ward – May 13, 2025

The air was filled with excitement and pride as farmers in Lusinga, Kilolo District, came together to celebrate Siku ya Mkulima (Farmer’s Day)—a special occasion marking the successful harvest of improved potato variety Sagitta. The event was more than just a harvest; it was the result of months of collaboration, learning, and hope sown into the soil.

In a joint effort spearheaded by AGCOT and key partners HZPC, Silverlands Tanzania, and CARE International under the SADIF project, a demonstration plot was established in Lusinga to introduce Sagitta potatoes for the first time in the area.

From just 50 kilograms of seed, the farmers were able to harvest nearly 500 kilograms—a tenfold return that drew smiles, applause, and even a few tears of joy during the field day celebration.

The event included training sessions, farmer dialogues, and demonstrations that empowered the local farming community, especially women, with knowledge on climate-smart and high-yield potato cultivation. Organizations like SUGECO and others were also present to offer support and guidance to the farmers on sustainable agribusiness practices.

AGCOT’s mission to make agriculture attractive, profitable, and sustainable is taking root—one harvest at a time. As more regions adopt these improved practices, Tanzania is steadily moving toward a future where farming is a symbol of innovation, resilience, and opportunity.