Coast’s pigeon pea prices climb 10pc

COAST REGION: THE price of pigeon peas in the Coast Region has surged by nearly 10 per cent over the past two weeks.

The increase is attributed to heightened demand and potentially tighter supply, reflecting a dynamic shift in the local agricultural market.

The crop price jumped to 1,753/- a kilogram in the latest auction over the weekend from 1,600/- in just two weeks ago.

Coast Region Cooperative Union (CORECU) Regional Manager Mantawela Hamis praised the price increase for pigeon peas during the second auction in Kibiti district, viewing it as a valuable opportunity for farmers to supply more of their crop to primary cooperative unions (AMCOS).

“This is a positive development for everyone in the supply chain,” Mr Hamis said.

“We hope the trend continues as we advance with our marketing efforts, benefiting all stakeholders involved.” Mr Hamis seized the opportunity to advise farmers to prioritise the collection and proper storage of highquality pigeon peas.

“I urge farmers to ensure they only harvest highquality pigeon peas and store them under optimal conditions. “To continue benefiting from good prices, it’s crucial to avoid collecting low-quality peas or storing them in unfavourable conditions,” Mr Hamisi said.

He emphasised the importance of keeping the peas in a dry, safe place to protect them from insect damage and maintain their quality.

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A farmer, Kassim Maperuye, from Kibiti, said selling peas through warehouse receipt system will enable farmers to earn more money and improve their lives.

The latest auction results highlight a significant upward trend in pigeon pea prices, which have been steadily climbing.

This change underscores the dynamic nature of agricultural markets and the importance of adapting to market fluctuations.

During the auction, a total of 12 tonnes of pigeon peas were sold.

Pigeon peas is one of the commercial crops in the Coast, others are cashew nuts, sesame, sugarcane, cassava, sisal and coconuts.