Summary
The goal is to promote precision fertilizer use by producing formulations that respond directly to the needs of different soils, thereby improving crop productivity and soil health.
DODOMA: Tanzania’s state-owned fertilizer company is shifting towards local fertilizer blending and production systems designed to deliver soil-specific formulations, reduce dependence on imports, and lower production costs.
The new approach aims to replace the conventional one-size-fits-all fertilizer distribution model with products tailored to the unique soil conditions of different regions through comprehensive soil testing and analysis.
Speaking during the Public Service Week exhibitions in Dodoma, Tanzania Fertilizer Company Director of Institutional Services, Ms. Nuru Mhando, said the planned system will use scientific soil data to determine fertilizer composition, ensuring farmers receive blends that meet the specific nutrient requirements of their land.
“The goal is to promote precision fertilizer use by producing formulations that respond directly to the needs of different soils, thereby improving crop productivity and soil health,”she said.
Tanzania Fertilizer Company Director of Institutional Services, Ms. Nuru Mhando
Mhando explained that the company is investing in modern processing infrastructure to support the production of customized fertilizer blends and enhance the efficiency of fertilizer supply across the country.
As part of the expansion strategy, the company is also planning to establish a lime processing plant in Tanga. The facility will produce agricultural lime, which is widely used to improve soil quality and correct soil acidity, creating more favorable conditions for crop growth.
According to Mhando, increasing domestic fertilizer production will help reduce import-related costs, improve the availability of agricultural inputs, and make fertilizers more affordable for farmers.
She added that the company continues to conduct farmer training programmes on the proper and efficient use of fertilizers to boost agricultural productivity and maximize returns from input investments.
Under the government’s fertilizer subsidy programme, farmers continue to access fertilizers at reduced prices, with the government covering part of the cost to encourage increased agricultural production.
The company reported that approximately 49,500 tonnes of fertilizer were distributed during the 2025/26 farming season, including both basal and top-dressing fertilizers used for the cultivation of food and cash crops such as tobacco.
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Tanzania’s economy, providing livelihoods for millions of people while contributing significantly to food security and export earnings.
The government continues to prioritize improved access to quality inputs, enhanced seed varieties, mechanization, and soil-specific fertilizer technologies as part of broader efforts to increase agricultural productivity and strengthen the sector’s long-term sustainability.
