Tanzania has reinforced its global agricultural reputation by becoming the world’s second-largest pigeon pea producer.
The output is expected to exceed 400,000 tons during the 2024/2025 farming season, according to the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA).
This achievement places the East African nation just behind India in global production, highlighting its growing importance in the international pulse market.
In the previous season, Tanzania exported around 350,000 tons of pigeon peas to India, its largest overseas market, demonstrating resilience despite subdued global prices.
Tanzanian farmers continue to benefit from strong export volumes, driven by sustained demand from India’s food sector.
COPRA’s Director General, Irene Mlola, stated that local growers currently earn between TZS 950 and TZS 1,200 per kilogram, roughly 75% of the prevailing price in Indian markets.
She attributed the moderate price levels to increased global supply, as several exporting countries have expanded shipments to India, intensifying competition in the market.
To safeguard farmers from such fluctuations, the Tanzanian government is working to establish a more stable and structured trade framework with India.
Mlola confirmed that COPRA recently led an official delegation to India for government-to-government discussions aimed at securing a direct export agreement.
The talks, held with India’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs, focused on creating a consistent supply mechanism that would channel Tanzanian pigeon peas directly into India’s national food reserves.
Through these high-level negotiations, Tanzania seeks to protect its agricultural sector from volatile market forces. The country ensures sustained access to one of the world’s largest and most reliable markets for pigeon peas.
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