Tanzania Pulses Crop Progress Update

Overview Tanzania produces a wide range of pulses, including common beans, pigeon peas, chickpeas, green grams (mung beans), cowpeas, Bambara nuts, and others. Crop calendars vary significantly depending on the crop type, production region, rainfall patterns, seed variety, and planting dates. Consequently, harvest periods differ across the country. For example, pigeon peas grown in the southern region of Mtwara mature earlier than those grown in the northern regions of Manyara and Arusha. Chickpeas Kwimba District (Mwanza Region) The chickpea crop is progressing well overall. • Approximately 80% of fields are currently at the flowering stage, while the remaining crop is mainly in the pod-filling stage. • Around 5% of farmers have already started harvesting early-planted fields. • Most farmers who planted in April are expected to begin harvesting during July and August. Early in the season, excessive rainfall affected some fields planted in early April, requiring a limited number of farmers to replant. A small proportion of fields experienced poor germination. Fall armyworm pressure has been reported in several areas. Farmers are actively managing the infestation using recommended pesticides, and extension services continue to provide technical support. Current pest pressure is not expected to have a significant impact on overall production. Although rainfall has been limited during the later stages of crop development, most fields have continued to perform satisfactorily by utilizing residual soil moisture. Production is expected to be slightly above last year's level. This outlook is supported by increased investment in improved seed varieties and production inputs by development partners and private-sector stakeholders, particularly in Mwanza and Singida Regions, which together account for an estimated 20% of Tanzania's chickpea production. Manyara Region The crop is generally at the pod development stage. Harvest is expected to begin in August, with average yields currently anticipated. Pigeon Peas The pigeon pea crop is generally progressing well across the country and is currently at the flowering stage in most producing areas. Harvesting is expected to expand during July and August, with average national production currently anticipated. Simiyu Region has become the first major producing area to begin harvesting. Commercial marketing also commenced during the week beginning 8 July 2026. During the first trading sessions through the Tanzania Mercantile Exchange (TMX), approximately 1,836.5 metric tonnes were traded through the warehouse receipt system. Auction prices ranged between TZS 1,270 and TZS 1,300 per kilogram, depending on lot quality and other commercial factors. As harvesting accelerates and additional volumes enter the market, prices are expected to ease due to increased supply. Market Outlook • Chickpea production is expected to be slightly higher than last season. • Pigeon pea production is currently projected to be around average. • Harvest activity will increase significantly during July and August. • Export availability is expected to improve steadily as harvesting progresses. • Current weather conditions do not indicate any major production risks, although pest monitoring remains important in selected chickpea-growing areas. NB: The coming article will cover more on common beans progress update across the country.