Southern Tanzania farmers requests TFRA’s education in identifying quality fertilisers

LINDI: FARMERS from Southern Tanzania have urged the government, through the Tanzania Fertilizer Regulatory Authority (TFRA), to strengthen public awareness on identifying quality fertilisers while tightening enforcement against the sale of substandard agricultural inputs.

The appeal was made during their visit to the TFRA pavilion at the ongoing Nanenane Agricultural Exhibition at Ngongo Grounds in Lindi Region.

The farmers said despite ongoing regulatory efforts, some traders continue to sell uncertified fertilisers and seeds that do not meet the standards set by the relevant authorities, exposing farmers to losses through poor crop performance and reduced yields.

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They called on TFRA to intensify farmer education programmes and strengthen inspections to close loopholes that allow substandard agricultural inputs to enter the market.

Speaking at the exhibition, TFRA Fertilizer Quality Control Officer Peter Mwanguku said the authority is continuing to provide education to stakeholders across the fertiliser value chain, including farmers, retailers and distributors attending the exhibition.

He said the awareness campaign is intended to equip farmers with the knowledge needed to identify quality fertilisers and encourage compliance with regulatory standards, thereby supporting increased agricultural productivity and safeguarding farmers’ investments.