Avocado farmers in Tanzania’s Njombe Region have expressed deep appreciation to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, for providing subsidized fertilizer a move they say has significantly boosted productivity and improved their harvests.
During a visit on May 28, 2025, by members of the Board of the Tanzania Fertilizer Regulatory Authority (TFRA) to Ng’anda AMCOS Primary Cooperative Society and Avo Nemes Green Limited, an avocado farming enterprise, farmers highlighted the tangible benefits of the subsidy.
They noted that reduced production costs have allowed them to expand operations and hire more labor, creating employment opportunities in their communities.
One of the region’s prominent avocado farmers, Mr. Stephen Mlimbila, shared that the fertilizer subsidy has helped him cut down on expenses.
The money he previously spent on fertilizer is now being directed towards hiring workers for his 210-acre farm turning it into a source of livelihood for many unemployed locals.
In response to a request by Ng’anda AMCOS to be registered as a distributor of subsidized fertilizer, TFRA Board Acting Chairman Mr. John Cheyo instructed the Southern Highlands Zone Manager, Mr. Joshua Ng’ondya, to ensure the cooperative is registered.
He emphasized that doing so would facilitate timely access to inputs for members and help address supply delays.
Mr. Cheyo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving agricultural productivity, urging farmers to intensify their efforts and aim to double their output in the upcoming season as a means of enhancing household incomes and driving economic growth.
Meanwhile, Ms. Hadija Jabir, CEO of GBRI Business Solutions Company Limited which specializes in avocado procurement and value addition encouraged farmers to apply fertilizers appropriately to meet the quality standards required in international markets.
She also supported the idea of developing avocado-specific fertilizers to ensure optimal yields and sustainability.
Farmers concluded by proposing further research into specialized fertilizers tailored for avocado cultivation, underscoring the crop’s growing economic importance and the need for innovations that support its development.