Fertiliser use up 23pc in Mwanza, Geita

MWANZA: FERTILISER use in Mwanza and Geita regions increased by more than 2,300 tonnes in the 2025/26 financial year, signalling growing adoption of farm inputs aimed at raising agricultural productivity and food production.

Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Mr Said Mtanda said the increase was recorded under the government’s subsidised fertiliser programme, with farmers in the two regions using 12,420 tonnes worth 3.4bn/-, up from 10,062 tonnes in 2024/25.

Speaking at the climax of Nane Nane International Agricultural Exhibition at the Nyamhongolo grounds in Mwanza, Mr Mtanda said the trend reflects increasing awareness among farmers about the importance of modern agricultural inputs.

“The exhibition has given farmers and citizens an opportunity to see, learn and exchange experiences on technology, products and services provided by various stakeholders, thereby increasing understanding of production, value addition and markets,” he said.

Mr Mtanda said investment in agriculture, livestock and fisheries remains critical in efforts to reduce poverty, create employment for youth and women, improve nutrition and increase household incomes.

“Investment in agriculture, livestock and fisheries is an important way to reduce poverty, increase employment for youth and women, improve nutrition and increase the national income,” he said.

According to Mr Mtanda, about 65 per cent of the national workforce is engaged in agriculture, livestock and fisheries, while more than 75 per cent of households in the Lake Zone depend on the sectors for food and income.

He said Mwanza had targeted cultivation of 490,725.78 hectares of major food crops during the 2024/25 agricultural season, with an expected harvest of 1,490,483.98 tonnes.

The region eventually cultivated 379,542.50 hectares and produced 1,071,752.19 tonnes of food crops, enabling it to meet about 97 per cent of its annual food requirement estimated at 1.1 million tonnes.

Mr Mtanda said food availability in Mwanza for the 2025/26 consumption season remains satisfactory.

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The increase in fertiliser use comes as the government continues implementing its fertiliser subsidy programme under the “Kilimo ni Mbolea” campaign aimed at improving farmers’ access to affordable inputs and boosting crop production nationwide.

Meanwhile, PASS Leasing representative, Mr Aziz Msangi said the company is expanding access to finance for farmers to acquire modern agricultural equipment.

“We are here to ensure that farmers stop using inferior agricultural concepts and start using modern materials,” Mr Msangi said.

He said many farmers fail to obtain loans because they lack collateral, and the company has introduced financing arrangements that allow eligible farmers to access loans without collateral requirements.

“Many farmers face the challenge of not having collateral to borrow from financial institutions. We have come to provide these loans without any collateral,” he said.

Mr Msangi said improved access to finance and modern equipment would help farmers move away from lowproductivity practices and increase production.