By Charles Mkoka
Dodoma, Tanzania — Tanzania's state-owned fertilizer company has expanded the distribution of subsidized fertilizer to farmers and is moving ahead with plans to establish local fertilizer processing facilities aimed at lowering production costs, improving soil-specific nutrient application and boosting agricultural productivity.
Speaking during Public Service Week exhibitions in Dodoma, Tanzania Fertilizer Company Director of Institutional Services Nuru Mhando said the company has continued supplying fertilizers to farmers under the government's subsidy programme, which is designed to make agricultural inputs more affordable and increase food production.
Mhando said the company distributes fertilizers for both food and cash crops, including tobacco, one of Tanzania's strategic agricultural commodities. Through the subsidy scheme, the government covers part of the fertilizer cost while farmers pay the remaining amount.
She said the company had distributed approximately 49,500 tonnes of fertilizer during the 2025/26 season, including both basal and top-dressing fertilizers used in crop production.
According to Mhando, the company is also investing in fertilizer processing infrastructure to enable the production of customized fertilizer blends tailored to specific soil conditions across different regions of the country.
The planned facility will analyze soil characteristics and produce fertilizer formulations suited to local agricultural requirements, helping restore soil fertility and improve crop yields while reducing dependence on imported products.
"The objective is to ensure farmers receive fertilizers that match the needs of their soils, leading to better productivity and improved returns," she said.
The company is also preparing to establish a lime-processing plant in Tanga, which will produce agricultural lime products used to improve soil quality and correct soil acidity.
Mhando said expanding domestic fertilizer production would help reduce import-related costs, improve availability and ultimately lower prices for farmers.
She added that the company continues to provide training to farmers on proper fertilizer application to maximize productivity and ensure efficient use of inputs.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Tanzania's economy, employing a large share of the population and contributing significantly to national food security and export earnings. The government has identified increased fertilizer use, improved seed varieties and mechanization as key pillars in efforts to modernize the sector and raise agricultural output.
Mhando said continued investment in fertilizer production, distribution and farmer education would support higher crop yields, strengthen food security and contribute to broader economic development.
