The Government has launched a five-year strategy (2026–2031) aimed at revitalizing Tanzania's pyrethrum industry by increasing production, improving quality, expanding processing capacity and boosting farmers' incomes as well as export earnings.
The strategy was announced on Friday in Dodoma by the Deputy Minister for Agriculture, David Silinde, who represented the Minister for Agriculture, Daniel Chingolo, during the opening of the 16th Annual General Meeting of Pyrethrum Stakeholders.
Silinde said the government aims to increase annual pyrethrum flower production from approximately 3,800 tonnes to 9,000 tonnes by 2031.
The strategy also seeks to improve productivity from the current 250–300 kilograms per hectare to 800–1,200 kilograms per hectare, while raising the pyrethrin content in pyrethrum flowers from an average of 1.3 percent to 2 percent, in line with international quality standards.
In addition, the government plans to register 29,240 hectares of pyrethrum farms in the COPRA MIS system to improve production and marketing data management.
Processing capacity is expected to increase from 54 percent to 90 percent, while export earnings are projected to rise from US$9 million to US$15 million annually.
The strategy also aims to ensure that farmers receive between 70 and 80 percent of the market price, increasing their incomes and encouraging greater investment in pyrethrum cultivation.
To achieve these goals, the government, in collaboration with development partners and private sector stakeholders, will implement several strategic interventions.
These include strengthening the supply of improved seeds in partnership with TARI, PCT and PAITEC, with a target of producing 15,000 kilograms of certified pyrethrum seed.
Other initiatives include completing the certification of new high-yielding pyrethrum varieties with higher pyrethrin content, providing refresher training to 200 agricultural extension officers and 2,000 farmers on good agricultural practices and financial literacy, and registering farmers and their farms to improve access to accurate production and market information.
The government will also strengthen the quality testing system for pyrethrum flowers, introduce a digital information platform for farmers, construct 129 drying facilities, upgrade collection and buying centres, and establish a Pyrethrum Development Fund to support the long-term growth of the industry.
Silinde said the implementation of the strategy during its first year is expected to cost TZS 2.2 billion, with funding to be jointly provided by the government, the private sector and other stakeholders along the pyrethrum value chain.
He said the strategy demonstrates the government's strong commitment to building a competitive and sustainable pyrethrum industry that delivers greater benefits to all stakeholders, particularly farmers.
"Through cooperation and shared responsibility, we believe pyrethrum will become one of Tanzania's key commercial crops, creating jobs, increasing household incomes and contributing significantly to national economic growth," Silinde said.
He also thanked stakeholders for their continued support in developing the pyrethrum sector, noting that the annual meeting provides an important platform to discuss challenges and identify practical solutions for improving production, productivity and competitiveness.
The government has urged all stakeholders to use the forum to propose practical measures that will strengthen the pyrethrum industry and position it as a key contributor to Tanzania's agricultural and economic development.
