Fertiliser subsidy hailed for transforming agriculture

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government’s fertiliser subsidy programme, aimed at helping farmers revolutionise the agriculture sector, has received widespread praise from stakeholders across Tanzania.

This comes following a nationwide survey conducted by the Tanzania Fertiliser Regulatory Authority (TFRA) to assess the impact of the subsidy scheme, which was introduced three years ago.

The survey engaged fertiliser manufacturers, investors, partners and consumers operating in the rapidly evolving fertiliser market, seeking businesses that deliver long-term value and positive impact.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan launched the Fertiliser Subsidy Programme to tackle persistent challenges hindering agricultural productivity, such as low input use, poor soil health management and limited access to quality fertilisers.

The programme aims to improve the availability, quality and usage of fertilisers nationwide, alongside promoting sound soil health practices to build a more resilient and dynamic fertiliser sector.

By enhancing regulatory frameworks, improving infrastructure and fostering partnerships throughout the value chain, the government intends to create an enabling environment where fertiliser use drives sustainable agricultural growth.

According to the TFRA survey, ETG a company active in various sectors including agricultural inputs acknowledged that the subsidy scheme has significantly improved fertiliser availability, accessibility, usage and financing.

ETG also highlighted strengthened fertiliser information systems, a better business environment, increased private sector capacity, enhanced institutional regulatory frameworks and improved quality assurance services as key achievements.

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“Fertiliser is now available at affordable prices compared to market rates. This has increased farmers’ purchasing power, allowing them to access inputs when needed,” the survey report notes.

Both TFRA and the Tanzania Agricultural Development Bank (TADB) have played pivotal roles in facilitating fertiliser procurement by approving payments for services rendered.

Since the programme’s launch in 2022, ETG has distributed 300,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser worth 110bn/- to farmers through its network of warehouses, shops and traders.

“We plan to expand the number of sales centres in the upcoming farming season and strengthen cooperation with agro-dealers through the Last Mile Delivery system,” ETG’s report states.

Minjingu Mines and Fertiliser Company Executive Director, Hans Tosky, commended the government for the subsidy programme, which has significantly boosted fertiliser use among Tanzanian farmers.

Located in Manyara region, Minjingu is Tanzania’s second-largest fertiliser manufacturer and has successfully increased production capacity to meet growing local demand.

“Our fertilisers are now well recognised by farmers and we have gained a competitive edge over imported products,” Tosky said.

Similarly, the Tanzania Fertiliser Company (TFC) credited the subsidy programme for stabilising prices and increasing fertiliser use by farmers.

“The programme has ensured timely fertiliser availability, boosted production, facilitated farmer identification and reduced fertiliser smuggling to neighbouring countries,” TFC noted.

According to Minister for Agriculture Hussein Bashe, over the past three years (2022/23 to 2024/25), the government has distributed approximately 1.45 million metric tonnes of fertiliser worth TZS 708.6 billion to farmers nationwide.