Farmers have been urged to use the right type and quantity of fertiliser at the appropriate time and place to improve crop yields and avoid wasting money on agricultural inputs.
The advice was delivered by Kuruthum Manjonjo, a representative responsible for subsidised fertiliser at the Tanzania Fertiliser Regulatory Authority (TFRA), during the Mufindi Investment Forum and Expo 2026 in Iringa Region.
Speaking to farmers who visited the authority’s pavilion, Ms Manjonjo said access to fertiliser alone could not guarantee better harvests unless farmers followed recommended application practices.
She outlined four key principles: using the right fertiliser, applying it at the right time, using the correct quantity and placing it in the right location.
“Farmers need to understand that obtaining fertiliser is only part of the process. Proper application is equally important in ensuring that the input delivers the expected results,” was the message conveyed through the training.
Ms Manjonjo said farmers who failed to observe the principles often complained that fertiliser was ineffective, highlighting the need for greater awareness of appropriate application methods.
She urged farmers who had received the training to share the knowledge with others, particularly those who had not yet benefited from such education.
The guidance comes as farmers seek to improve productivity and get better returns from their investment in farm inputs. Applying fertiliser incorrectly can undermine its intended benefits, making it important for farmers to understand the requirements of their crops and follow recommended application rates and timing.
TFRA’s participation in the exhibition is part of its efforts to reach farmers and other stakeholders with information on proper fertiliser use. The authority is also using the forum to highlight investment opportunities across Tanzania’s fertiliser value chain.
In addition, it is reminding stakeholders to comply with the laws and procedures governing fertiliser trading in the country.
For farmers, the central message is that higher production depends not only on access to fertiliser but also on using it correctly to improve the effectiveness of the inputs they purchase.