TFRA issues strong warning to traders who sell fertilizer outside the subsidy system
MWANZA: TANZANIA Fertilizer Regulatory Authority (TFRA) has warned that it will not tolerate any trader found selling fertilizer outside the digital system of subsidized inputs, raising prices contrary to the Government’s indicative prices or engaging in actions that undermine the implementation of the input subsidy program.
The warning was issued today, July 9, 2026,by the TFRA Lake Zone Manager, Mr Michael Sanga, following a special surveillance operation conducted by the authority in collaboration with security and defense agencies in Simiyu region after receiving information from farmers about violations of the procedure for selling subsidized fertilizers.
He said the operation had revealed the existence of some traders who were selling fertilizers at higher prices than the Government’s guide prices and others doing business outside the digital subsidy system established in 2022 by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Mr Sanga said in the operation, TFRA in collaboration with the public and the Police Force arrested a trader, Ms Pendo Mahe of Bariadi Urban who was selling Urea fertilizer for 150,000/- instead of the guide price of 86,250/-.
In addition, He said the trader was selling YaraVera Amidas fertilizer for 120,000/- instead of the guide price of 98,856/-.
“Investigations have revealed that the trader is not a registered agent to distribute subsidized fertilizers, so he was doing the business contrary to the law and established procedures,” Mr Sanga said.
In the same operation, TFRA also inspected a subsidy agent, Mr Kuhoka Sobanja with registration number TFRA-9442, in Dutwa Ward, Bariadi District Council.
The inspection revealed that there was no record of any fertilizer in the digital subsidy system, but 11 bags of YaraVera Amidas fertilizer and five bags of YaraBela Sulfan were found in his warehouse.
According to Mr Sanga, further investigation has shown that the agent was selling YaraVera Amidas fertilizer for 120,000/- to one farmer, contrary to the indicative price and conditions that require the agent to sell through the digital subsidy system.
Due to the violation, he said the authorities have taken legal action by filing charges against him on charges of smuggling fertilizer contrary to the subsidy document for the 2025/2026 agricultural season.
“We will not tolerate any trader who sabotages the implementation of the input subsidy scheme by selling outside the system, arbitrarily raising prices or engaging in smuggling. We will take strict legal action against all those found to be violating the laws and procedures set to ensure that farmers receive fertilizer at the recommended price and in the manner intended by the government,” he said.
He stressed that all fertilizer traders should comply with the Fertilizer Act as well as all the conditions for the implementation of the input subsidy scheme.
In addition, he said TFRA will continue to conduct regular inspections and surprise operations in various areas of the country to control smuggling activities and ensure that subsidized fertilizers reach the beneficiaries on time, at a reasonable price and in a transparent manner.
Sanga commended the farmers and citizens who provided information that enabled the identification of the violations and called on the citizens to continue to cooperate with the authorities by reporting acts that violate the law to protect the interests of farmers and ensure that the input subsidy scheme is implemented effectively.
