Minister Hussein Bashe Launches Groundbreaking Biopesticide in Pwani Region

On October 4, 2024, Tanzania’s Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Hussein Bashe, unveiled an innovative biopesticide named Thurisave-24. Developed by Tanzania Biotech Products Limited (TBPL), this product is specifically designed to combat pests detrimental to key agricultural crops such as maize and cotton. The launch event took place at the TBPL plant in Kibaha, Pwani Region, and was attended by various stakeholders, including government officials and representatives from the agricultural sector.

During the event, Minister Bashe highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity through sustainable and chemical-free solutions. He urged the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) to consider distributing Thurisave-24 free of charge to maize and cotton farmers as part of the broader strategy to increase yields and promote eco-friendly pest control measures.

The biopesticide Thurisave-24 is capable of controlling a range of destructive pests, including the Fall Armyworm and American Bollworm, which have posed significant challenges to farmers in recent years. Minister Bashe also emphasized the importance of continued research and collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, TPHPA, and TBPL to develop more biopesticides for other crops like avocados, which are widely grown in the southern highland regions of Tanzania.

TBPL, under the oversight of the National Development Corporation (NDC), is the only facility in Africa producing biopesticides that target mosquito breeding sites and crop pests. The plant’s establishment represents a major milestone for Tanzania’s agricultural sector and reflects the government’s dedication to advancing agricultural innovation and supporting farmers with environmentally friendly solutions​.