Fertiliser market attracts fresh investment interest

DAR ES SALAAM: THE country fertiliser demand is expected to reach 1.2 million tonnes by mid next year, with regulators moving to strengthen supply chains, build reserves and attract investment into the agricultural inputs market.

The Tanzania Fertiliser Regulatory Authority (TFRA) said the country currently has more than 248,000 tonnes of fertiliser in stock, while an additional 313,000 tonnes are expected to enter the market by the end of September.

TFRA Chief Executive Officer Joel Laurent said the authority is targeting availability of more than 1.5 million tonnes of fertiliser to ensure adequate supplies throughout the farming season and support farmers under the government subsidy programme.

“We are preparing early to ensure farmers have access to enough fertiliser and can benefit from the subsidy programme,” Mr Laurent said recently.

The preparations are part of broader efforts to stabilise the fertiliser market, improve access to agricultural inputs and reduce disruptions that can affect crop production. Beyond managing supply, TFRA is seeking to expand investment across the fertiliser value chain, including manufacturing, importation, packaging and distribution.

Mr Laurent said strengthening local capacity would help improve efficiency and ensure farmers receive quality products on time. The authority said six investors have already expressed interest in entering the sector, including four companies from China, one from Kenya and one from India.

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The planned investments include construction of fertiliser manufacturing plants and import operations to serve the domestic market. The move comes as Tanzania seeks to increase agricultural productivity by improving access to essential inputs and strengthening domestic production capacity.

Agriculture remains a major contributor to the economy, supporting millions of farmers and playing a key role in food security. TFRA is also expanding awareness programmes on soil health and proper fertiliser application, saying efficient use of inputs is critical to improving yields and increasing farmers’ returns.

However, the regulator has warned fertiliser traders against violating market rules by selling products above approved prices or using unfair practices that disadvantage farmers. Mr Laurent said the authority would take action against businesses that breach fertiliser trading regulations, including those charging farmers prices above government-approved levels.