Tanzania’s pigeon pea market is under pressure from a sharp fall in prices, driven by a global surplus and India’s policy of extending duty-free imports. According to the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX), the combination of abundant supply from East Africa and Canada and New Delhi’s continued open import window has created downward pressure on prices.
TMX Chief Executive Officer Godfrey Malekano said that despite the decline, India remains a crucial market for Tanzanian farmers. “Global supply has outpaced demand, and this has inevitably dragged prices down,” he explained. “For our farmers, the Indian market remains a lifeline, but the challenge is ensuring they get fair value despite international fluctuations.”
He warned that without coordinated marketing, proper storage facilities, and strategies to stimulate domestic demand, local farmers will remain exposed to global volatility.
Prices have plunged from $1.60 per kilogram last year to as low as 0.60–0.75 dollars, affecting Tanzania’s output of around 400,000 tons. While domestic prices hover at about 2,000/- per kilo, the country’s limited internal demand means farmers rely heavily on exports.
“Pigeon peas are among the most volatile crops globally, as they depend on a single buyer, India,” Mr Malekano added. He revealed that TMX plans to establish storage facilities to allow crops to be held during periods of oversupply and released when demand rises.
India recently extended its duty-free import policy on pigeon peas until March next year to stabilize the domestic supply. Tanzanian exports remain under pressure, with prices in India lower than TMX auction levels.
Tanzania Pulses Network (TPN) Executive Director Zirack Andrew noted that high export costs and additional government levies make Tanzanian supplies less competitive compared to Mozambique and Malawi. “Although prices are depressed, Tanzanian pigeon peas remain expensive once they reach India. Export volumes are falling as buyers switch to cheaper alternatives,” he said.
He explained that while farmers may receive around 1,000/- per kilo, additional fees and levies push costs to about 1,250/- before reaching Dar es Salaam, significantly higher than Mozambique’s supply price of around 500/- per kilo.
According to TMX data, pigeon peas from Mtwara currently fetch 800/- per kilo, while other regions achieve 1,000/- or more. Production forecasts from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Mozambique suggest healthy supply levels, indicating continued pressure on prices in the coming season.
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