Tanzania sees fortunes in avocado with 235,000 tonnes targeted in 2026/27

DODOMA: THE Tanzanian government has announced an ambitious plan to boost avocado production to 235,000 tonnes in 2026/27, up from 201,354 tonnes recorded in 2024/25, with exports expected to surge to 40,000 tonnes.

Presenting the Agriculture Ministry’s budget estimates in the National Assembly yesterday, Minister for Agriculture Daniel Chongolo said the move is driven by rapidly expanding domestic and international demand for the high-value crop.

“To realise this target, the ministry will train 9,500 farmers and 500 extension officers on good agricultural practices for avocado production,” he said.

Mr Chongolo noted that to ensure farmers expand their orchards and increase earnings, the ministry, through TARI and COPRA, in collaboration with stakeholders will empower youth and women groups to produce and distribute 1,727,400 avocado seedlings under a subsidy programme.

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“This initiative is not only about boosting avocado production, but also about creating decent employment opportunities for young people through agriculture,” he said, adding that a structured system will be established to oversee the preparation, distribution and management of avocado seedlings.

To strengthen value addition and market access, the ministry, through COPRA, will continue constructing 20 avocado collection centres in key producing regions including eight in Mbeya, four in Iringa, one in Rukwa, two in Ruvuma and five in Njombe.

He further said the government, together with partners, will scale up efforts to promote avocado oil production, noting that the country currently hosts eight medium and large-scale processing factories.