Tanzania to continue distribution of subsidised fertilizer

The Tanzanian government will from now on give priority in distributing subsidized fertilizers to the Southern Highland regions.

“Instead of distributing subsidized fertilizer in all parts of the country, we will give priority to the southern highlands regions since it is mostly used in those areas, " said Prime Minister Edward Lowassa.

Mr. Lowassa was reacting to a complaint raised by a resident of the area that the farm input had become very expensive and inaccessible. Lowassa explained that the prices of fertilizers had gone up worldwide due to increased demand of the product by wealthy countries like the US. He said that America was using the product in cultivating maize and cassava, not for consumption, but for making biofuel.

The prime minister, however, assured the residents that the government will continue distributing subsidized fertilizers to farmers.

According to the district report read by the Ileje District Commissioner, Mrs. Esther Wakari, the district was allocated 1,235.53 tonnes of subsidized fertilizers during 2006/07 and that 1006.18 tonnes had already been given to farmers.

This is 58.2 per cent more of the 719 tonnes allocated in 2005/06.

Daily News-Tanzania