The Tanzania Cashew Board has distributed pesticides worth more than TZS 1.9 billion to cashew farmers in the Kilombero Valley, aiming to boost production, improve crop quality, and strengthen Tanzania’s cashew industry.
The exercise, carried out on June 17, 2026, involved the distribution of 15,843 litres of cashew pesticides to registered farmers through an official system designed to ensure transparency and efficiency in input delivery.
Speaking during the handover ceremony held at Ifakara AMCOS warehouse, the Head of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Department for Ifakara Town Council, Dr. Yuda Mgeni, who represented Kilombero District Commissioner Wakili Dunstan Kyobya, said the government’s support reflects its continued commitment to improving agricultural productivity in the region.
He confirmed that the pesticides were received from the Tanzania Cashew Board through UKICU and allocated across the district, with Ifakara Town Council receiving 339 litres, Mlimba 1,606 litres, Ulanga 8,037 litres, and Malinyi 5,858 litres.
He said the distribution will strictly follow the list of registered farmers to ensure fairness and proper use of the inputs.
Dr. Mgeni added that the intervention will help farmers control pests that have previously reduced yields and affected the quality of cashew nuts in the Kilombero Valley, thereby increasing production and improving farmers’ incomes.
The Tanzania Cashew Board said the initiative is part of broader government efforts to provide subsidized agricultural inputs and strengthen key cash crops to support economic growth and rural livelihoods.
Acting Morogoro Regional Manager of the Board, Jafari Matata, urged farmers to ensure they are registered in the national agricultural database to benefit from government support.
He also emphasized the importance of proper pesticide use, noting that continued training will be provided to ensure safe application and improved productivity.
UKICU Chairperson, Ritha Nyera, said the organization will continue mobilizing farmers to expand cashew production while improving quality standards to enhance competitiveness in both local and international markets.
She added that stronger adherence to good agricultural practices will help farmers earn better returns and contribute to the growth of the sector.
Farmer Gwakisha Emmanuel thanked the government for the support, saying the pesticides will help address long-standing challenges of pest infestation and low yields in the area.
He said the intervention comes at the right time as farmers work to improve productivity and increase their participation in the cashew value chain.
The initiative highlights the government’s continued focus on strengthening agriculture through timely provision of inputs, with the aim of increasing farmer productivity, improving crop quality, and enhancing household incomes.
