TARI-Ukiriguru is one of the 20 agricultural research centers operating under the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI). The center which is located in Mwanza, was originally established in December 1930 as the Native Authority Cotton Seed Farm. Agricultural research activities officially began in November 1932, marking the start of its long-standing contribution to Tanzania’s agricultural development.

In 1939, the Empire Cotton-Growing Corporation, responding to a request from the Ministry of Agriculture, initiated additional research services at Ukiriguru, further expanding its scope and impact.

The institute currently operates three trial sites located in different regions of Tanzania. These include Mwamala in Kishapu District, Bwanga in Chato District, and Nkanziga in Misungwi District. In addition to these trial sites, TARI-Ukiriguru maintains two dedicated research fields: Nyamasindi and Nyakasanga, which support its core research activities.

TARI-Ukiriguru’s mandate focuses on three primary crops: cotton, cassava, and sweetpotato. These crops are central to its research and development efforts aimed at improving productivity and sustainability.

Beyond its core mandate, the institute also collaborates with other specialized centers to conduct research on a variety of additional crops. These include cereals such as maize, sorghum, pearl millet, and rice; legumes like green gram, chickpeas, and pigeon peas; and oil crops including groundnuts and sunflower.

Through its diverse research programs and collaborative efforts, TARI-Ukiriguru continues to play a vital role in enhancing agricultural innovation and food security in Tanzania.