The government has issued a strong warning to traders and cooperative leaders who are delaying fertilizer subsidy payments to tobacco farmers, urging them to stop immediately or face being named publicly.
Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Hussein Bashe (MP), delivered the warning on October 9, 2024, during a public rally led by the Vice President of Tanzania, Dr. Philip Mpango, as part of his tour of Uyui District, Tabora Region.
"Since May, I instructed the major cooperative unions to pay the subsidy funds directly to farmers. I withheld 13 billion shillings in public funds for farmers in my role as Minister, and this is not a cooperative subsidy. I expect a full report listing the farmer's name, primary cooperative, main cooperative union, the amount of NPK fertilizer used, and their account details so payments can be made directly," Minister Bashe stated.
He expressed concern that if subsidies are routed through the cooperative unions, the funds may be misused for purposes other than paying the farmers.
Minister Bashe also criticized the manager of WETCO Cooperative Union for misleading farmers about subsidy payments, despite the funds being available since September 2024.
He warned that WETCO could lose its license, along with other traders who fail to pay farmers promptly.
"The government has worked hard to revitalize the tobacco sector in Tabora, which was previously crippled by corrupt politicians and poor cooperative management. Other countries like Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique operate without cooperative unions, using a government system that connects the farmer directly with the buyer, ensuring timely payments," Bashe added.
Vice President Dr. Mpango echoed Bashe's concerns, saying, "These are crucial directives, and both President Samia and I fully support them. The dishonest practices of traders and leaders must end. I will not tolerate it. Minister Bashe, do not hesitate to expose those who undermine the farmers, and revoke the licenses of any companies that fail to pay on time."