SIMIYU: THE Tanzania Fertiliser Regulatory Authority (TFRA) has warned fertiliser traders against selling subsidised inputs outside the official digital system, charging prices above government guidelines or engaging in practices that undermine the fertiliser subsidy programme.
TFRA Lake Zone Manager Michael Sanga issued the warning after a special surveillance operation conducted in collaboration with security and defence agencies in Simiyu Region following reports from farmers about violations in the distribution and sale of subsidised fertilisers.
Mr Sanga said the operation uncovered traders selling fertilisers at prices higher than the government’s indicative rates, as well as others conducting business outside the digital subsidy system introduced in 2022.
During the operation, TFRA, working with the Police Force and members of the public, arrested a trader, Ms Pendo Mahe, from Bariadi Urban, who was allegedly selling Urea fertiliser at 150,000/- per bag instead of the approved price of 86,250/-. The trader was also found selling YaraVera Amidas fertiliser at 120,000/- instead of the government’s indicative price of 98,856/-.
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“Investigations revealed that the trader was not a registered agent for distributing subsidised fertilisers, meaning she was operating contrary to the law and established procedures,” Mr Sanga said.
In another case, TFRA inspected a registered subsidy agent, Kuhoka Sobanja, with registration number TFRA-9442, in Dutwa Ward, Bariadi District Council.
The inspection found that although the agent had no fertiliser recorded in the digital subsidy system, 11 bags of YaraVera Amidas and five bags of YaraBela Sulfan were found in his warehouse.
Mr Sanga said further investigations established that the agent had sold YaraVera Amidas fertiliser at 120,000/- to a farmer, contrary to the approved price and the requirement that all subsidised fertiliser sales be processed through the digital system.
He said legal action had been taken against the agent, with charges filed over alleged fertiliser smuggling in violation of the subsidy programme guidelines for the 2025/26 farming season.
“We will not tolerate any trader who sabotages the implementation of the input subsidy scheme by selling outside the system, arbitrarily increasing prices or engaging in smuggling. We will take strict legal action against all those found violating the law and procedures,” Mr Sanga said.
He reminded all fertiliser dealers to comply with the Fertiliser Act and conditions governing the subsidy programme.
Mr Sanga said TFRA would continue carrying out routine inspections and surprise operations across the country to prevent illegal trade and ensure subsidised fertilisers reach farmers on time, at approved prices and through transparent procedures.
He commended farmers and members of the public who provided information leading to the detection of violations and encouraged citizens to continue reporting unlawful activities affecting the fertiliser subsidy programme.