Tanzania gears up for early fertiliser delivery ahead of 2025/26 farming season

Presenting the ministry of Agriculture’s Sh1.243 trillion budget for 2025/26 in Parliament, Agriculture minister Hussein Bashe said 1.455 million tonnes of subsidised fertiliser worth Sh708.63 billion had been distributed over three years—from 2022/23 to 2024/25.

“The programme has significantly increased fertiliser use, from 363,599 tonnes in 2021/22 to 848,884 tonnes in 2023/24,” he said.

Private sector players have also stepped up preparations ahead of the planting season. ETG Agri Input Tanzania CEO, Mr Shuvam Sharma, said the company had strengthened its last-mile delivery system by expanding retail outlets, partnering with agrodealers, and maintaining adequate stocks.

“We appreciate the government’s timely subsidy payments, which ensure fertiliser reaches farmers, including those in remote areas,” he said, noting that three ships carrying fertiliser had already docked at the Dar es Salaam Port for early distribution.

Since the programme’s inception, ETG has delivered 300,000 tonnes of fertiliser through its network of warehouses, distributors and retail outlets.

Minjingu Mines and Fertiliser Company managing director Hans Tosky said local producers were ready to supply inputs well ahead of schedule, adding that demand for domestically produced fertiliser was growing.

“Our products are widely accepted, and we are fully prepared for early delivery. We commend the government for ensuring prompt supplier payments after verification,” he said.

Subsidy programme impacts

Mr Sharma noted that the subsidy had made fertiliser more affordable and accessible. “Prices are now lower than market rates, enabling more farmers to apply fertiliser on time,” he said.

He added that the programme had expanded ETG’s rural presence, enhanced trust in its brand, and improved food and cash crop production.

Mr Tosky, however, warned that local producers still face stiff competition from imported fertiliser.

The Tanzania Fertiliser Company (TFC) said in a statement that the programme had helped stabilise prices, increase uptake, and improve yields through timely access and proper application.

It had also facilitated farmer registration, curbed smuggling, and reduced misuse of public funds.

Between 2022/23 and 2024/25, TFC distributed fertiliser worth Sh136.9 billion: 4,500 tonnes in 2022/23 (Sh8.9 billion), 29,133 tonnes in 2023/24 (Sh46.5 billion), and 54,500 tonnes in 2024/25 (Sh81.5 billion).

TFC and Itracom Fertiliser Ltd (IFL) expressed satisfaction with the government’s approach, citing prompt payments as beneficial to both suppliers and farmers.

IFL managing director, Mr Nduwimana Nazaire, said the company plans to supply 500,000 tonnes in 2025/26. In 2024/25, noting that heavily subsidised FOMI fertilisers improved farmer access.

Mr Nazaire said the programme had expanded farmer access to FOMI products and reaffirmed IFL’s commitment to national supply efforts.

Domestic production and availability

According to the ministry’s budget document, domestic production rose from 32,239 tonnes in 2020/21 to 158,628 tonnes in 2024/25—a 392 percent increase—driven by Itracom’s Dodoma plant and Minjingu’s expansion.

Total fertiliser availability rose from 678,017 tonnes in 2020/21 to 1.21 million tonnes in 2024/25, while per-hectare usage grew from 19kg in 2021/22 to 24kg in 2024/25—48 percent of the 50kg AU CAADP target.