The Minister of Industry and Trade, Dr Selemani Jafo, has asked Tanzanians to buy fertilizers produced by local factories instead of importing due to the fact that its quality is the same as imported.

Either, Dr Jafo said he will ensure to oversee all the industries invested in Tanzania, so that they continue to produce and contribute to the economy by generating employment for Tanzanians.

Dr Jafo, who was recently appointed the industry and trade minister, said this yesterday when he visited the Itracom Fertilizer Limited Factory located in Dodoma after reporting to the new docket.

"If President Samia struggled to ensure this factory is built in the country, with the capacity to producing 66,000 tons, but only 4,238 tons have been bought. This is not encouraging as we must buy our own locally produced products," he said.

According to the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) monthly economic review for June, importation of fertilizers slipped by 44 percent toUS$331.8 million during the year ended in May 2024, from US$596.3 million during the year ended in May, 2023.

However, on monthly basis, the value of imported fertilizers increased to US$41.8 million in May from US$8 million recorded in April.

He said that the government's efforts have made it possible to increase investments, including industrial sector, and that it is the responsibility of the President's aides to ensure that they are given a good environment to continue working effectively.

Regarding the factory of Itracom Fertilizer Limited, Dr  Jafo assured the investor that he will deal with the existing challenges in cooperation with the other cross cutting  sectors to see that the factory works efficiently and profitably.

He said he is not satisfied to see the production made by the factory, only a small amount is bought by Tanzanians, while other countries buy fertilizer products in bulk.

The Head of the Internal Inspection Unit of the factory, Kimaramuziro Nkurikiye, said production started in December 2022 and their fertilizer reaches 21 regions.

He said so far it has produced 75,000 tons while the fertilizer sold is 66,000 tons of which 4,238 tons have been sold in the country, 52,892 tons have been sold in Kenya and 10,000 tons have been sold in Burundi.

Earlier, the head of the research unit, Elias Ulyongabo said that the factory is currently making fertilizers for planting, growing and fattening and is in the final stages of completing the research of fertilizers for tobacco, tea, avocado and grape crops.