Description
Pyrethrum Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium produces pyrethrin used as a natural insecticide. The crop, introduced in Kenya in 1928, dominated the world market for 75 years until 2003. After which, it faced stiff competition from synthetic products in the world market, causing a sudden decline from peak production of 17,710MT to the current 941MT. Strategies to revive the sector are majorly supported by about 21,350 smallholder farmers who contribute 97% of the national produce. Current volumes are very low compared to the world market production. Hence, the need to promote the crop to attain its past glory.
Publications
- Pyrethrum Nursery Management Factsheet
- Why grow pyrethrum factsheet
- Pyrethrum picking factsheet
- Pyrethrins factsheet
- Select the right cultivar of pyrethrum for your area factsheet
- Pyrethrum seed systems factsheet
- Biotechnology in pyrethrum propagation factsheet
- Agronomic practices factsheet
- KALRO Pyrethrum Propagation Manual 2019
Implementing Institutions
- PYRETHRUM PROCESSING COMPANY OF KENYA (PPCK)
- MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND LIVESTOCK DEVELOPMENT
- KENTEGRA BIOTECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS
- AGRICULTURE AND FOOD AUTHORITY
- COUNTY GOVERNMENTS
Master Trainers
- Janet Obanyi (Crop protection) – KALRO MOLO
- Geoffry Gathungu (Breeder) – CHUKA UNIVERSITY
- Miriam Otipa (Crop Protection)- KALRO NARL
- Fredrick Wandera (Soil Scientist)- KALRO
- Patrick Ketiem (Mechanization)- KALRO KATUMANI
- John Ndung'u (Molecular Scientist)- KALRO NJORO
- Edward Partet (Social Economist)- KALRO MOLO
- Irene Muriithi (Agronomist)- KALRO MOLO
- Robert Lagat (Ass. Breeder)- KALRO MOLO
- Lewis King'ori (Ass. Soil Scientist)- KALRO MOLO
- Jelagat F. (Policy and regulation)- AFA