TANZANIA: THE use of fertilisers in the country has increased by 96 per cent following various steps taken by the government to enhance productivity and ensure reliable availability of commodities including introduction of fertiliser Bulk Procurement System (BPS).
According to Tanzania Fertiliser Regulatory Authority (TFRA) the use of fertiliser has increased from 296,036 tonnes in 2016/2017 to 580,529 tonnes in 2022/2023.
TFRA Director of Regulatory Services Ms Happiness Mbelle revealed that to reporters in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday ahead of the Global Fertiliser Day which will be marked on October 13.
She said as Tanzania is set to join the rest of the world to mark the day, the country has registered success in increasing the use of the commodities in the country.
She said besides introduction of fertiliser BPS, the government also provided subsidies on starter and top-dressing fertilisers.
Ms Mbelle said that in 2022/2023 financial year the government set aside 150bn/- for fertiliser subsidies.
“This step has enabled farmers to use more fertilisers because the subsidies reduced the prices of the commodities,” she said.
She added that the move also has increased crop production thus guarantee food security in the country and increase farmers’ income.
Ms Mbelle further said that TFRA in collaboration with agricultural stakeholders has continued to provide education on proper use of fertilisers.
She detailed that the authority has also provided training to 169 fertiliser inspectors, to identify and increase registration of traders from 632 to 4378.
The agency also conducted monitoring and provided education on appropriate storage of fertilisers and how to identify substandard fertilisers.
“These measures have led to an increase in fertiliser availability in the country from 429,814 tonnes in 2016/2017 to 1,035,745 tonnes in 2022/2023 equivalent to 141 per cent,” she said.
Commenting on this year’s Global Fertiliser Day commemorations, Ms Mbelle said will be preceded by two days of exhibitions from October 11 to 12 and climaxed on October 13 this year at Chipukizi grounds in Tabora Municipality.
She explained that the first two days October 11 and 12 will be used for exhibitions where various stakeholders especially from fertiliser industry including manufacturers, importers and suppliers, organisations and institutions under the Ministry of Agriculture are expected to take part in the event.
She said the day provides a platform for raising awareness on various issues related to fertiliser including achievements registered in the country.
The theme for this year’s commemoration at national level is “Agenda 10/30: Proper Use of Subsidised Fertilisers for Productive Agriculture.”
She said the theme aimed at demonstrating the government efforts in assessing the contribution of agriculture sector in which in 2022/2023 the government set aside 150bn/- for fertiliser subsidies to relieve farmers from high prices of fertilisers.
Ms Mbelle further said that, in the 2023/2024 financial year the government has set aside another 150bn/- for providing fertiliser subsidies to farmers.
She said the government has also made efforts to strengthen fertiliser industry by creating enabling environment which attracts and promotes growth in fertiliser industry and agriculture sector in general.
Ms Mbelle added that the move aimed at increasing efficiency in production of various crops in the country.
For his part, National Chairman Subsidies Committee Louis Kasera assured farmers that the government will continue to provide fertiliser subsidies until when the farmers will meet the recommended level of fertiliser use in the world market.