Tanzania Eyes Pyrethrum Boom: Farmers Urged to Boost Productivity as Prices Rise

Dodoma, Tanzania – June 24, 2025 – Tanzania is poised for a significant boom in its pyrethrum industry, with government officials and stakeholders urging farmers to embrace efficient cultivation practices to capitalize on growing market demand and rising prices. This call to action came during the 15th General Meeting of Pyrethrum Stakeholders, held at the Midland Hotel in Dodoma.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Hussein Bashe (MP), Mr. Obadiah Nyagiro, Director of Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Agriculture, advised pyrethrum farmers to adopt productive farming methods to increase yields. He emphasized the vast market potential for pyrethrum and encouraged farmers to sell processed pyrethrum rather than raw produce to maximize their income.

Ms. Irene Mlola, Director-General of the Cereals and Mixed Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA), outlined key initiatives to support farmers. She announced that a total of 7.5 tonnes of pyrethrum seeds would be distributed this season, with 5.5 tonnes sourced from agricultural stakeholders and 2 tonnes from the government. COPRA, she added, will continue to strengthen oversight to ensure the availability of quality seeds and the implementation of fair contract farming agreements between farmers and buyers.

Ms. Mlola also delivered encouraging news regarding prices, stating that the price per kilogram of pyrethrum has increased by 8.1 percent, from TZS 3,700 to TZS 4,000. This increase is projected to boost farmers’ incomes by 17.6 percent, from an average of TZS 1,700 per kilogram to TZS 2,000. Consequently, farmers are expected to earn an average of TZS 1,560,000 per acre, based on a production of 380 kilograms per acre. Furthermore, she noted a remarkable 91.22 percent improvement in the quality of pyrethrum flowers, attributed to the adoption of improved methods and high-quality inputs.

Resolutions from the meeting, as articulated by Mr. Gothard Liampawe, Acting Director of Crop Development at COPRA, include ensuring timely access to quality seeds for farmers, providing education on the proper use of fertilizers, and tailoring pyrethrum seed production to meet regional requirements.

Tanzania has officially been recognized as a leading producer of pyrethrum. The value of this industry is estimated to reach US$22.6 million (approximately TZS 59.89 billion) in the 2025/2026 financial year, with a plan to increase production by 32.22 percent this financial year.