Farmers in the Tabora Region are being encouraged to register with ward and village executive officers to gain access to subsidized fertilizers provided by the Ministry of Agriculture.

This initiative aims to enhance food production, increase farmers' income, and boost Tanzania's agricultural sector.

Naitapwaki Tukai, the District Commissioner of Nzega, made this announcement during a recent meeting with farmers in Ndala village, located in the Nzega District of Tabora Region. 

She emphasized that the registration process is free, and farmers only need to visit their local village or ward offices to sign up in the farmer’s registration book.

Tukai explained that after registration, the farmers' information would be entered into the Ministry of Agriculture's database. 

This data will enable farmers to receive a special identification number, which is necessary for accessing the subsidized fertilizers at affordable prices.

"Access to affordable fertilizers will empower farmers to increase the production of both food and cash crops, which in turn will enhance food security and contribute to the country's economic growth," said Tukai. 

She also highlighted that the development of the nation is closely linked to the efficiency of the agricultural sector and urged farmers to adopt Good Agricultural Practices and make proper use of fertilizers.

She noted that the government has significantly increased the agricultural sector's budget, from 294bn/-  in the 2021/2022 financial year to 1.24trn/-  in 2024/2025. 

This budget boost is part of a broader effort to revolutionize agriculture and increase productivity.

"Let us support the government's initiatives by registering in the farmers’ registration book, now available with ward and village executive officers, to benefit from the subsidized fertilizer," Tukai encouraged.

The government has committed to providing subsidized fertilizers for three consecutive farming seasons to ensure farmers can access these resources at affordable prices. 

Tukai also reminded farmers to use fertilizers correctly to achieve optimal results during the harvest season, which will contribute to food security for both individual farmers and the nation.

Antony Diallo, Chairman of the Tanzania Fertilizer Regulatory Authority (TFRA) board, reiterated the importance of proper fertilizer use. 

He urged farmers to apply fertilizers at the right time during the growing season, in accordance with soil health and crop requirements, and as recommended by experts.

Diallo also promoted the TFRA's new campaign, "Kilimo ni Mbolea," which aims to educate farmers on the four key principles of proper fertilizer use: choosing the right fertilizer, applying it at the right time, using the correct amount, and placing it in the right location. 

He encouraged farmers to register for the subsidized fertilizer and participate in the digital subsidized fertilizer system, which is a step forward in the agricultural sector's growth.

Joel Laurent, TFRA's Executive Director, added that the organization is conducting a nationwide campaign to educate farmers and the public on the proper use of fertilizers and to encourage registration for the government’s subsidized fertilizer program. 

The goal of the registration is to help the government maintain accurate data on farmers across the country, which will inform future plans to provide agricultural inputs, including seeds and other services, to enhance productivity and farmers' income.

TFRA will continue to utilize various platforms, including the "Kilimo ni Mbolea" campaign, to educate and remind farmers to register, ensuring they can benefit from affordable, subsidized fertilizers.