The global award-winning, Plant Biodefenders Ltd, CEO, Dr. Never Mwambela addressing the audience during the new organic products debut at Shirimatunda ward in Moshi Urban, Kilimanjaro Region. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Nestled on the lush southern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, the town of Moshi is witnessing an agricultural transformation that promises to change the future of farming in Tanzania. Here, where rolling green fields meet the morning mist, a breakthrough is taking root—one that brings hope to farmers and breathes new life into the land.
A pioneering Tanzanian startup, Plant Biodefenders Ltd (PBL), is leading this change, introducing organic solutions that shield crops from destructive pests without harming the environment.
Farmers across the nation are on the brink of enjoying enhanced crop protection and increased productivity, thanks to the rollout of efficient organic pesticides developed by Plant Biodefenders Ltd (PBL), a forward-thinking Tanzanian startup.
This past weekend marked a historic moment as PBL proudly launched six pioneering products under their Vuruga biocide trademark. These organic solutions are meticulously designed to defend critical crops—such as avocado, cotton, coffee, tobacco, cashew, and maize—from the relentless onslaught of harmful pests.
The event not only showcased the results of six years of relentless research and significant financial investment but also signaled a new dawn for Tanzania’s agricultural sector. The introduction of these Vuruga biocides, now officially approved and registered by the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA), represents a remarkable milestone.
With their endorsement for use on national strategic crops, farmers now have access to a powerful and versatile tool to combat pest-related challenges. This advancement promises not just to safeguard the nation’s vital agricultural outputs but also to drive forward a new era of sustainable farming in Tanzania.
“We are excited to bring farmers a groundbreaking solution for crop protection,” said Dr. Never Mwambela, CEO of Plant Biodefenders Ltd., during the official launch event. She expressed deep gratitude to the UNDP’s Funguo Innovation Program for its financial backing, emphasizing that these biocides will enhance yields, improve quality, and elevate food security while strengthening Tanzania’s export capabilities.
Beyond increasing agricultural productivity, organic farming practices contribute to soil health, resilience against climate change, and the preservation of biodiversity. With the global biocide market projected to reach $9.71 billion by 2024, Tanzania is well-positioned to carve out a significant share in this booming industry.
“Our products will revolutionize agriculture in Tanzania and open doors to new opportunities in the export market,” Dr. Mwambela added, her confidence reflecting the hard-earned success of her team.
PBL's ambition extends beyond crop protection. The company has also developed three herbal tea formulations aimed at addressing common health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and ulcers. “Addressing public health concerns is an important aspect of our mission,” Dr. Mwambela noted, highlighting the interconnectedness of health and agriculture.
Since its founding in December 2023, PBL has made impressive strides, producing 2,000 liters of organic pesticides daily—enough to treat 16,000 hectares of farmland. This level of production is already alleviating Tanzania’s pesticide shortage and reducing dependence on costly chemical imports.
One of the company’s crowning achievements came when the Tanzanian government, under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, purchased 20,000 liters of PBL’s organic products to support coffee farmers in regions like Songwe, Arumeru, and Manyara, where pests have long plagued agricultural yields. The move signaled official recognition of PBL’s potential to reshape the country’s farming future.
Looking ahead, the company is determined to expand its product offerings, including organic fertilizers and new pest control solutions. Discussions are also underway for a potential partnership with Iringa-based Maua Pyrethrum, a subsidiary of Italy’s General Chimica, to scale up production and tap into the global organic market.
PBL’s dedication to sustainability and innovation has not gone unnoticed. In December 2024, the company received the prestigious East African Agroecological Food Futures Prize in Rwanda, awarded by Switzerland’s Biovision. In addition, Dr. Mwambela was recognized as an outstanding young researcher from Sub-Saharan Africa, earning a research fellowship in Spain to further explore organic farming advancements.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain. The company continues to advocate for government subsidies for organic pesticides, which still receive less support than chemical alternatives. This lack of funding limits PBL’s ability to scale up production and meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions. Dr. Mwambela remains steadfast in her advocacy, urging policymakers to level the playing field so Tanzanian farmers can remain competitive in global markets, particularly for high-value crops like cotton, coffee, cashew, and avocado.
Prof. Joseph Ndunguru, Director General of TPHPA, pledged to collaborate with PBL on future research initiatives to develop new biocides. He acknowledged the significant threat pests pose to Tanzania’s agricultural sector and praised PBL for its role in safeguarding both consumer health and the environment. “Biocides like Vuruga are critical for ensuring food security, creating jobs, and protecting the environment,” he said, promising continued support for the development of additional organic solutions.
The excitement surrounding PBL’s success is spreading beyond Tanzania’s borders. In Botswana, leading agrochemical distributor Mr. Adam Ngamange has committed to promoting Vuruga Biocide in Botswana, Angola, and Zimbabwe, where the demand for organic pesticides is growing. Similarly, Prof. Mwatima Juma, Chairperson of the Tanzania Organic Agriculture Movement (TOAM), commended PBL’s contributions to organic farming and pledged support to raise awareness about biocides across the country.
During the launch event, Ally Hamis Juma, Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources, and Fisheries, invited PBL to establish a factory or display centers in Zanzibar, where organic biocides are in high demand. With Zanzibar’s government prioritizing organic farming to meet the needs of its 700 tourist hotels, opportunities for expansion are vast.
Nyasebo Chibangu, Director of Plant Health and Crop Development, emphasized that President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan had been deeply impressed by Dr. Mwambela’s innovations and has directed government support to further bolster local farmers. Citing a report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), he underscored the global significance of PBL’s efforts in combating agricultural losses due to pests. With global pest control costs totaling $220 billion annually and pests responsible for a 40% reduction in food production, the role of sustainable biocides has never been more crucial.
This collaboration between PBL, government agencies, and international stakeholders highlights the transformative power of Plant Biodefenders’ organic pesticides. Their pioneering work is not only reshaping Tanzania’s agricultural landscape but also capturing the interest of global markets hungry for sustainable solutions.
A recent visit to Italy and Germany reinforced this vision. In Tuscany, where organic vineyards flourish, farmers shared how natural pesticides revived their soil and improved yields. Meanwhile, in Bavaria, German botanists like Dr. Klaus Reinhardt have championed bio-based farming, proving that science and tradition can work hand in hand. Dr. Lucia Moretti, an Italian agronomist, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing how sustainable practices have restored biodiversity to once-depleted lands.
This success mirrors Tanzania’s journey—agriculture rooted in sustainability, resilience, and prosperity. With innovation and global synergy, Tanzania’s future is not just greener but thriving. Inspired by the wisdom of Italian and German experts, it is clear that nature holds the key to progress, balance, and abundance.