Pyrethrum, dried flowers Production by Country 2025
Pyrethrum dominates natural insecticide production with Tanzania leading at 4,239 tonnes in 2023, projected to decline to 3,410 tonnes by 2025. Global production totaled 9,674 tonnes in 2023, surging 70.8% from 2022, concentrated in just 7 countries. Rwanda produces 2127 tonnes, Kenya contributes 1,680 tonnes, and Papua New Guinea adds 1,152 tonnes. These white daisy-like flowers contain pyrethrins—natural insecticidal compounds toxic to insects but safe for mammals. Pyrethrum provides eco-friendly pest control for organic farming, household insecticides, and pet products, commanding premium prices ($15-30/kg) as synthetic alternatives face regulatory restrictions and consumer resistance.
Tanzania produces 4,239 tonnes in 2023 with extreme volatility (2014-4,239), concentrated in Southern Highlands where altitude (1,500-2,500m) and cool climate suit cultivation. Tanzanian pyrethrum, primarily smallholder production, exports to global insecticide manufacturers. Production collapsed in 1990s-2000s due to synthetic competition but revived with organic farming growth. Rwanda contributes 2127 tonnes with high volatility (398-2,993), concentrated in Northern Province highlands. Rwandan government promotes pyrethrum as cash crop for smallholders. Kenya produces 1,680 tonnes, down from historical dominance (Kenya once supplied 70% globally). These East African highlands provide ideal conditions—cool temperatures, well-drained volcanic soils, and altitude preventing pest buildup. Papua New Guinea produces 1,152 tonnes with remarkable stability, concentrated in highlands where colonial-era plantations continue. PNG pyrethrum serves Asian markets. Morocco contributes 180 tonnes, Tunisia 150 tonnes, and Ecuador 146 tonnes, maintaining small-scale production. Global pyrethrum production remains geographically concentrated due to specific climate requirements—cool temperatures (15-25°C), high altitude, and well-drained soils. The crop's labor-intensive harvesting (flowers picked by hand every 2-3 weeks) limits expansion. Historical producers like Japan and former Yugoslavia abandoned cultivation due to labor costs. Current production concentrated in regions with low labor costs and suitable highland climates. Pyrethrum flowers contain pyrethrins—six related compounds (pyrethrin I & II, cinerin I & II, jasmolin I & II) that attack insect nervous systems. These natural insecticides kill mosquitoes, flies, fleas, and agricultural pests rapidly while breaking down quickly in sunlight (non-persistent). Pyrethrins are safe for mammals and birds at insecticidal concentrations, making them ideal for organic farming, household sprays, pet shampoos, and mosquito coils. The flowers are dried, ground, and extracted with solvents to concentrate pyrethrins (typically 1.3-1.5% of dried flower weight). Synthetic pyrethroids mimic pyrethrin structure but persist longer, raising environmental concerns. Organic farming growth drives pyrethrum demand as synthetic alternatives face restrictions. Pyrethrum thrives at 1,500-3,000m altitude with cool temperatures (15-25°C) and 750-1,000mm rainfall. Plants are perennial daisies (Tanacetum cinerariifolium) growing 30-60cm tall, producing white flowers with yellow centers. First harvest occurs 6-8 months after planting, then flowers picked every 2-3 weeks during flowering season. Peak pyrethrin content occurs when flowers fully open. Hand-harvesting required—mechanical harvesting damages flowers and reduces pyrethrin content. After picking, flowers dried immediately to preserve pyrethrins. Major challenges include labor intensity, price volatility, and competition from synthetic pyrethroids. Diseases include wilt and root rot. Climate change brings irregular rainfall affecting flowering. Pyrethrum prices fluctuate $15-30/kg for dried flowers, $200-400/kg for pyrethrin extract, depending on pyrethrin content and purity. Global market worth $300-400 million annually, dominated by organic insecticide demand. Major buyers include multinational agrochemical companies extracting pyrethrins for formulation. Organic farming certification requirements drive demand—pyrethrins approved for organic agriculture globally. However, synthetic pyrethroids (cheaper, more stable) dominate conventional markets. Climate change affects flowering patterns and pyrethrin content. Labor shortages challenge hand-harvesting. Retail trends favor natural, eco-friendly pest control products. Export markets grow from East Africa to Europe, North America, and Asia for organic agriculture and household products. Global pyrethrum production projected to grow 3-5% annually through 2030, driven by organic farming expansion and synthetic pesticide restrictions. Climate-adapted varieties help cope with changing weather patterns. Processing innovations improve pyrethrin extraction efficiency. However, pyrethrum faces challenges from labor intensity, price volatility, and synthetic competition. The crop's natural insecticide properties, mammalian safety, and organic certification ensure continued demand, though production will likely remain concentrated in East African highlands where altitude, climate, and labor costs align in this niche crop's role as nature's insecticide for organic agriculture's growing global markets.🏆 East African Highlands Dominance
Pyrethrum, dried flowers Production by Country 2025
1
3,410
2
1,482
3
1,223
4
1,152
5
180
6
151
7
146
🌍 Limited Global Production
🌼 Natural Insecticide Powerhouse
🌱 Highland Cultivation
📊 Premium Niche Markets
🔮 Organic Agriculture Growth
Pyrethrum, dried flowers Production by Country 2025
#
1
2,400
2,014
2,510
2,412
2,694
4,239
3,410
2
1,688
2,993
1,283
1,494
398
2,127
1,482
3
212
315
285
501
944
1,680
1,223
4
1,132
1,135
1,152
1,150
1,151
1,152
1,152
5
180
181
181
181
180
180
180
6
157
155
156
155
151
150
151
7
140
141
145
146
147
146
146
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country produces the most pyrethrum dried flowers in the world?
Tanzania is the world's largest pyrethrum producer with 4,239 tonnes in 2023, though production shows extreme volatility (2014-4,239 tonnes). Production concentrates in Southern Highlands at 1,500-2,500m altitude where cool climate suits cultivation. Tanzanian pyrethrum, primarily smallholder production, exports to global insecticide manufacturers. Rwanda ranks second with 2127 tonnes, Kenya third with 1,680 tonnes. These East African highlands provide ideal conditions—cool temperatures, volcanic soils, and altitude. Kenya once dominated (70% globally) but declined due to economic factors.
What makes pyrethrum a natural insecticide and is it safe?
Pyrethrum flowers contain pyrethrins—six natural compounds that attack insect nervous systems, killing mosquitoes, flies, and pests rapidly. The magic: pyrethrins are highly toxic to insects but safe for mammals and birds at insecticidal concentrations because mammals metabolize them quickly. They break down in sunlight within hours (non-persistent), leaving no residue. This makes pyrethrum perfect for organic farming, household sprays, and pet products. Synthetic pyrethroids mimic pyrethrin structure but persist longer, raising environmental concerns. Organic certification approves pyrethrins globally, driving demand as consumers seek natural pest control. Nature's insecticide—deadly to bugs, safe for us!
Data Disclaimer: Projected data (future years) are estimates based on mathematical models. Actual values may differ. Learn about our methodology →
Sources
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Updated: 13.11.2025https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/QCL
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