DAR ES SALAAM: A DISTINGUISHED academic, veterinary scientist and politician, Prof Peter Msolla has called for increased investment in biotechnology research, commercialisation and privatesector innovation to unlock new agribusiness opportunities, reduce production costs, create high-value jobs and strengthen the competitiveness of the agricultural sector.
Speaking during the interview with the Daily News, Prof Msolla said realising biotechnology’s economic potential requires coordinated investment in research, skilled personnel, effective regulation and mechanisms to turn scientific discoveries into commercially viable products.
He said agricultural research institutions, including the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) and universities need increased funding to develop technologies that address local production challenges and meet farmers’ needs.
“Priority investments include drought-tolerant maize, disease-resistant cassava, bananas and coffee, improved livestock genetics, animal vaccines, biofertilisers and biopesticides,” Prof Msolla said.
The veterinary scientist and former minister said the innovations will boost productivity, reduce crop and livestock losses, lower production costs and create markets for agricultural technologies and inputs.
He noted that locally developed solutions must respond to prevailing climatic conditions, crop varieties and farming systems.
However, research alone cannot deliver economic returns unless innovations reach farmers and markets.
Prof Msolla called for biotechnology incubators, science parks and financing mechanisms to help researchers commercialise their discoveries.
He also identified tax incentives, intellectual property protection and partnerships between research institutions and businesses as measures to attract private investment.
“A predictable, sciencebased biosafety regulatory framework is another requirement for building investor confidence,” he said.
He said that transparent approval procedures, clear regulations and effective oversight were essential for responsible biotechnology development.
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Developing skilled personnel is equally important, with Prof Msolla calling for scholarships in biotechnology, genomics, bioinformatics and agricultural sciences, alongside modern laboratories and industry-linked training.
He said collaboration with diaspora scientists could also strengthen local research capacity and accelerate knowledge and technology transfer, he said.
Beyond agriculture, biotechnology presents business opportunities in food processing, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, industrial enzymes, biofuels and environmental management.
Developing these industries will create skilled jobs, strengthen local manufacturing and add value to agricultural resources.
Prof Msolla also said the importance of linking universities, research institutions, agribusinesses, extension services and farmers to accelerate technology adoption and ensure innovations deliver commercial benefits.
He said public awareness and stakeholder engagement were necessary to build confidence through transparent communication about biotechnology’s potential benefits and risks.
Prof Msolla said sustained research funding, commercialisation support, clear regulations and private-sector participation will help drive agricultural innovation, business growth and economic diversification.