By Gadiosa Lamtey
Dar es Salaam —
Pyrethrum exports from Tanzania climbed by 15 per cent during the
2018/2019 season following improved production.
Exports rose to
Sh15 billion, up from Sh13 billion in the previous year, according to
the
Tanzania Pyrethrum Board (TPB)'s latest report.
Over 900 tonnes of
different products from pyrethrum flowers including crude extract,
pyrethrum powder and dried marc were exported to the US, China,
Thailand, India Japan and Kenya during the season, according to TPB crop
controller, Mr Frank Msambira.
"This crop is
mainly for exports. Countries use it for the production of insecticide,
cosmetics, food and pharmaceuticals. Farmers within the growing regions
are so motivated because the market is reliable. That is why
productivity is increasing," he said during the ongoing 44th Dar es
Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF).
In Tanzania
pyrethrum flowers are grown in the southern and northern highlands which
have the right altitudes and climate conditions for cultivation of the
crop.
Statistics from the
board indicate the production of pyrethrum flowers increased to 2,500
tonnes in 2018/2019 from 2000 tonnes recorded in 2014/2015.
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Mr Msambira said
some 1,600 smallholder farmers are engaging in the cultivation of
pyrethrum. They have received initial payments of Sh5 billion between
July 2019 and July 2020, he said.
A kilogramme of pyrethrum currently fetches Sh2400, he said.
"We are negotiating
with two factories that are processing pyrethrum flowers to see if they
can invest more so that some of the products can be locally
manufactured instead of exporting raw produce," he said
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