DODOMA: THE Tanzanian government plans to reduce reliance on imported agricultural inputs and shield farmers from global price shocks through expanded fertilizer subsidies and promotion of local production.
Presenting the 2026/27 national budget estimates in the Parliament, the Minister for Finance, Ambassador Khamis Mussa Omar said the agricultural sector will continue to benefit from targeted interventions aimed at ensuring affordability and availability of key inputs.
Additionally, he said that the government is promoting the importation and use of affordable alternative top-dressing fertilizers such as CAN and SA, alongside a special subsidy programme for domestic fertilizer producers to boost local output.
Ambassador Omar also said the government is encouraging the use of organic and liquid fertilizers, which are not subsidised, as part of broader efforts to diversify input options and promote sustainable farming practices.
He further assured Parliament that the Government will continue to clear outstanding fertilizer subsidy claims to ensure timely availability of inputs ahead of the 2026/27 farming season.
“The government will continue to settle subsidy claims to ensure the availability of affordable fertilizers for the 2026/27 season. Similarly, the government will continue to promote and facilitate domestic production across various sectors, as well as improving the business and investment environment, in order to reduce dependency on imported products that are constantly affected by changes in global economic conditions,” he said.