Nindi calls for timely delivery of fertilizers, seeds to farmers
Mbeya: Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture (Crop Development and Food Security), Dr Stephen Nindi directed input supply companies to ensure timely delivery of fertilizers and seeds to farmers, in line with the agricultural season calendar.
Speaking during his visit in the Southern Highlands regions to promote the proper use of fertilizers in the Southern Highlands region, Dr Nindi told stakeholders that the Government continues to implement the National Soil Health Program across the country.
Once completed, he assured, the initiative will provide soil health information for every area, soil treatment requirements, and guidance on how farmers should apply fertilizers.
“Agriculture is not random science; it is time-bound science. Fertilizer meant for October that arrives in December becomes meaningless for that season. Ensure that fertilizers arrive on time so that farmers can use them appropriately,” Dr Nindi emphasized.
Also read: Dr Nindi: Why farmers’ registration in national database matters
Dr Nindi: Why farmers’ registration in national database matters
He also stated that the government continues to recruit extension officers and provide them with working tools, including soil health testing machines for their areas and tablets for farmer registration.
The plan os to enhance farmers to access extension services and subsidized agricultural inputs.
Also, the PS commended Chunya District farmers for their proactive registration in the subsidized input system, noting that Tanzania is among the leading countries in registering farmers for subsidized input programmes.
The Managing Director of Tanzania Fertilizer Company (TFC), Mr Samuel Mshote informed farmers that the company will continue to support them by delivering fertilizers on time.
So far, 70,000 tonnes of NPK 10:18:24 tobacco fertilizer are being distributed to farmers, 10,000 tons of CAN 27 fertilizer have arrived in the country, and UREA N46% fertilizer is ready to start distribution to farmers.
Senior Quality Control Officer of the Tanzania Fertilizer Regulatory Authority (TFRA), Mr Chrysantus Funda, urged farmers to register in the subsidized input system to purchase agricultural inputs at the government-subsidized prices.
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