Govt urges farmers to add value to pyrethrum to boost incomes

THE Ministry of Agriculture has called on farmers to adopt value-added processing for pyrethrum crops, in order to maximize earnings amid growing global demand for natural pesticides.

Speaking at the 15th National pyrethrum stakeholders’ meeting held in Dodoma, the Director of Policy and Planning Mr Obadiah Nyagiro said there is need farmers to avoid selling raw pyrethrum and instead process it to boost returns.

Mr Nyagiro represented the minister for Agriculture, Mr Hussein Bashe.

“There’s a rising demand for pyrethrum globally. Selling processed products can significantly increase farmers’ incomes,” said Mr Nyagiro.

Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA) Director General Ms Irene Mlola said that 7.5 tonnes of pyrethrum seeds will be distributed this season, 5.5 tonnes from stakeholders and two tonnes from the government.

She noted that the pyrethrum price has increased by 8.1 per cent, from 3,700/- to 4,000/- per kg.

As a result, farmers’ earnings are projected to grow by 17.6 per cent, from 1,700/- to 2,000/- per kg, translating to 1.5m/- per acre based on average yields.

COPRA’s Acting Director of Crop Development, Mr Gothard Liampawe, outlined key resolutions from the meeting, including ensuring timely supply of quality seeds, enhancing training on fertiliser use and aligning seed production with regional conditions.

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The pyrethrum sector is projected to reach a value of 22.6 million US dollar (approx. 59.89bn/-) by the 2025/2026 financial year under national development plans.