KALRO Pyrethrum Seedling

Pyrethrum production is favored by cool temperatures and high rainfall which occur in the high attitude areas ranging from 1,500–3,000m. Fertile and well-drained soils of moderate organic matter are also ideal for vigorous pyrethrum flower production. This crop continuously flowers for about 10 months in a year. The first picking of mature flowers occurs 3-4 months after planting. Consequently, the flowers are picked every 14-21 days

Kenya used to produce between 10,000 to 15,000 tons annually which constituted about 70% of the world’s supply when the world market demand was about 20,000 tons. Currently, Kenya produces only produced 300 tons on 3,000 acres valued at KES 1.06 billion. About 85% of the crop produced is exported to USA, Canada, South America, UK, EU, Australia, and other African countries. The potential for pyrethrum production in Kenya is over 20,000 MT per annum from which farmers can earn KES 2 - 7.5 billion and KES 5.8 billion in foreign exchange from the refined extract alone. The Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya factory can process over 20,000 MT of dry flowers per year and can create employment for at least 2,000 workers engage over 200,000 farmers thus providing a livelihood to 2-3 million people. Nakuru County (where the Centre is located) produces between 60-70% of the national output of pyrethrum. In an effort to revive production, stakeholders have identified the major constraints in the pyrethrum value chain; strategic objectives for the sub-sector and who should do what in the proposed quick-start activities.