MWE Correspondent
The Tanzania Fertiliser Regulatory Authority (TFRA) has called on farmers to adopt proper fertiliser management and modern agricultural technologies to increase crop yields, improve productivity and reduce unnecessary farming costs.
The call was made during a learning visit to Sumry Farm, also known as Msipazi Farm, in Nkasi District, Rukwa Region, on October 13, 2026, as part of activities marking World Fertiliser Day.
The delegation was led by TFRA Executive Director Joel Laurent, who joined other participants in exploring modern farming technologies and commercial agricultural practices that can help improve productivity and promote sustainable agriculture in Tanzania.
During the visit, farmer and agricultural entrepreneur Salum Sumry emphasised the importance of soil testing before applying fertilisers, explaining that understanding soil health enables farmers to identify the nutrients required by specific crops.
He noted that soil testing helps farmers make informed decisions about the type and quantity of fertiliser to apply, reducing waste while ensuring crops receive the nutrients needed for healthy growth.
Soil testing is an important component of efficient fertiliser management because nutrient requirements vary depending on soil conditions, crop type and the stage of plant development. Applying fertilisers without understanding these requirements can lead to unnecessary expenses and lower returns on investment.
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TFRA stressed that farmers should use quality fertilisers suited to their crops, soil conditions and growth stages. The authority also highlighted the importance of applying agricultural inputs correctly to improve yields while minimising avoidable production costs.
The visit provided an opportunity for participants to learn from commercial farming practices and understand how appropriate technologies, effective soil management and proper input application can contribute to more productive agricultural systems.
Fertilisers play a critical role in replenishing soil nutrients and supporting crop development. However, their effectiveness depends on selecting the right product, applying the appropriate amount and timing applications according to crop requirements.
For smallholder farmers, adopting these practices can help improve the efficiency of fertiliser use, increase harvests and strengthen household incomes, particularly in areas where farming remains a major source of livelihoods.
The initiative also forms part of TFRA’s broader efforts to raise awareness among farmers and agricultural stakeholders about opportunities within Tanzania’s fertiliser industry.
The authority is particularly seeking to encourage young people and women to participate in the sector through innovation, agribusiness and the adoption of improved farming practices.
Increasing agricultural productivity remains important for strengthening food security, improving farmers’ earnings and supporting Tanzania’s agricultural transformation. Better soil management and efficient fertiliser use can also help farmers respond to changing weather conditions and make more effective use of available resources.
World Fertiliser Day provides an opportunity to highlight the role of fertilisers in food production and promote responsible practices that support agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.
Through initiatives such as the Msipazi Farm learning visit, TFRA aims to strengthen knowledge-sharing between agricultural regulators, commercial farmers and other stakeholders while encouraging evidence-based farming decisions that contribute to sustainable agricultural development in Tanzania.
