The Tanzania Fertilizer Regulatory Authority (TFRA) has warned fertilizer merchants against selling subsidized resources outside the official digital system, inflating prices beyond government standards, and engaging in activities that undermine the fertilizer subsidy program.
Michael Sanga, head of TFRA's office in the lake area, issued this warning after conducting a special surveillance operation in the Simiu region, organized jointly with law enforcement agencies following complaints from farmers about violations in the distribution and sale of subsidized fertilizers. During the operation, traders were identified who sold fertilizers at prices exceeding government indicative rates, as well as individuals who traded outside the digital subsidy system introduced in 2022.
TFRA employees, together with the police and members of the public, detained businessman Pendo Mahe from the city of Bariadi, who allegedly sold urea at 150,000 TSh per bag instead of the approved price of 86,250 TSh. It was also found that she was selling YaraVera Amidas fertilizer at a price of 120,000 TSh instead of the government's indicative price of 98,856 TSh. «The investigation revealed that this trader was not a registered agent for the distribution of subsidized fertilizers, which means that she acted contrary to the law and established procedures», Sanga said.
In another case, TFRA verified registered subsidy agent Kuhoku Sobanju (TFRA registration number-9442) in Dutwa District, Bariadi District Council. The inspection revealed that although the agent did not have fertilizers registered in the digital subsidy system, 11 bags of YaraVera Amidas and five bags of YaraBela Sulfan were found in his warehouse.
Further investigation revealed that the agent sold YaraVera Amidas fertilizer to a farmer at a price of 120,000 TSh, which contradicts the approved price and the requirement that all sales of subsidized fertilizers go through a digital system. Legal measures were taken against the agent, as well as charges of smuggling fertilizers in violation of the guidelines of the subsidy program for the 2025/26 agricultural season. «We will not tolerate any trader who sabotages the implementation of the resource subsidy program by selling outside the system, arbitrarily raising prices or engaging in smuggling. We will take strict legal measures against anyone who violates the law and procedures», Sanga stressed. He reminded all fertilizer dealers of the need to comply with the Law on Fertilizers and the terms of the subsidy program.
TFRA will continue to conduct routine inspections and surprise raids across the country to prevent illegal trade and ensure that farmers receive subsidized fertilizers at approved prices and through transparent procedures on time. Michael Sanga thanked farmers and members of the public who provided information that led to the identification of violations, and urged citizens to continue to report illegal actions affecting the fertilizer subsidy program.
