The government’s plan to increase wheat production in Tanzania and reduce reliance on imports has received a major boost after Balton Tanzania launched ten new agrochemicals aimed at protecting wheat, barley, and other crops from pests and the effects of climate change.
Tanzania currently imports over 90% of its wheat, while local production meets only about 10% of annual demand.
Speaking at the launch for major agrochemical distributors, Jacob Vorster, General Manager of Balton Tanzania, said the new products use advanced technology to control pests and weeds effectively.
“These high-quality products are designed to help farmers overcome losses caused by climate change and the limited availability of effective chemicals in the market,” Vorster said.
He added that farmers who use these products will benefit from better control of pests, diseases, and weeds. The products will be available nationwide through Balton’s agents.
Chonya Wema, a plant science expert at Balton Tanzania, explained that the new products include MWANZO 660SE, which targets weeds before crops sprout, and TENO SUPER 75, specially formulated for wheat and barley.
Other products include OMEGA 112EC, which controls pests such as armyworms, tomato fruitworms, whiteflies, and aphids in crops like tomatoes, maize, bell peppers, onions, cabbages, coffee, wheat, and rice.
AZOXY plus 325EC helps control fungal diseases such as leaf rust and late blight, protecting crops including coffee, wheat, vegetables, watermelon, and beans.
Balton Tebu 250 EC promotes crop growth and disease control in wheat, barley, coffee, and potatoes.
Additional products include ANERIX Extra 76WP for potatoes, cashew, vegetables, and onions; HALO plus 60 EC for tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, wheat, and rice; NICO PLUS 300 OD for maize pests; RIBEME 75 WDG for wheat and barley; and LUZAFEN 250 EC for beans.
Wema said the agrochemicals will be sold at affordable prices through local agents and are expected to help increase crop yields, improve food security, and support farmers’ incomes.
Some distributors suggested making the products available in smaller, more affordable packs so that more farmers can access them and stop using low-quality alternatives.
Swalehe Mkilindi, a farmer from Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, welcomed the products, saying they are a major solution for farmers struggling with pests and invasive weeds on their farms.