An Arusha-based firm has embarked on biological pest control projects to fight insects that are threatening flower production in the region
The Eco Agri Consultancy Services has teamed up with a Dutch firm Koppet to introduce 'phytoseilus persimilis' insects, a natural predator to spider mites, which have caused havoc on horticultural farms in Arusha.
Horticultural farmers are said to be losing up to $500,000 a year due to spider mites that feed on flowers. The prevalence of the destructive insects has impacted on the quality and quantity of flower yields.
Mr Wilfred Mushobozi, the firm's director told The Citizen in Arusha at the weekend that the 'phytoseilus persimilis' insects would feed on the flower-eating pests.
He said the insects were being reared abroad and would soon be flown into the country to be introduced in flower farms to fight pests.
Some 28 workers from selected farms have been trained on the technology while the Government has already given a permit to import the insects from the Netherlands.
According to Mr. Mushobozi, the project would start with three horticultural farms near Arusha before spreading to others.
There are more than a dozen farms near Arusha and Moshi, which cultivate flowers in green houses. The cut flowers are exported to overseas markets, mostly through Amsterdam.
But because of the spider mites, some flower farms incur losses of between $5,000 and $7,000 per hectare each year, officials have said.
Horticultural exports from Tanzania topped $120 million during the 2006/2007 financial year and are expected to increase to $140 million this year. Three quarters of this revenue is generated from cut flowers.
Meanwhile, the Eco Agri Consult will also be involved in a £400,000 (Sh800 million) biological armyworm control project to be implemented in the country in the next three years.
The DFID of UK Researchers has awarded the grant to spearhead implementation by the Sokoine University of Agriculture, Leicester University and Natural Resource Institute of UK.
Experts have said this armyworm control method is cost effective and ecologically friendly than the use of chemicals that have side effects on people.
