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Tanzania fertiliser company strives to serve farmers
2008-04-20 11:06:15
By Correspondent Haruni Sanchawa
Tanzania Fertilizer Company was incorporated in Tanzania in 1972 as a joint venture between Kloeckner of Germany and the National Development Corporation (NDC).
Its factory, put up in Tanga produced various types of fertilizer for distribution to the regions.
Its marketing Department based in Dar es Salaam coordinated distribution of fertilizer to its depots located in some of the regions, especially the big four agricultural producers which were Iringa, Mbeya, Rukwa and Ruvuma.
The sulphuric acid plant in Tanga which was the core or heart of fertilizer making collapsed in 1991 halting the production of fertilizer.
TFC has since moved its headquarters to Dar es Salaam, Masaki Chole Road.
Its general manager is Salum Kondo Mkumba who is assisted by the Commmecial Manager Nambilingwe Thimosi Msomba and other administrative and marketing staff. In the regions, zonal managers are responsible for day to day activities of TFC.
Types of fertilizers distributed by TFC are phosphates and nitrogen. They are Triple Super Phosphate (TSP), DT-Ammonium phosphate and Minjingu rock phosphate.
Nitrogen types of fertilizer distributed by TFC are Urea, calcium ammonium Nitrate, (CAN), sulphate of Ammonia (AS), NPK-20 and NPK.
Since the introduction of subsidised transport for fertilizer, TFC has concentrated on importing and distributing fertilizer to its major depots upcountry.
It has played a leading role in ensuring that the subsidised fertilizer reached its destination on time and at the right price so that farmers can apply it to increase production of grain and enhance food security in the country.
In a recent interview with The Guardian on Sunday, the minister for Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives, Prof. Peter Msola said that he was very pleased with the performance of TFC in distributing subsidised fertilizer last season compared to the other companies assisted by the ministry to carry out the distirbution work.
He added that due to this good performance, the ministry plans to increase the amount of fertiliser allocated to TFC for distribution this farming season.
Mr. Mkumba said that TFC was well equipped with experienced staff and warehouses located in nearly all the regions to distribute large quantities of subsidized fertilizers.
Unlike experienced TFC, the smaller companies which did not have experience in fertilizer distribution business, delayed deliveries to farmers and in some cases sold the fertiliser at prices which were the same as those of unsubsidized fertilizer, which the farmers could not afford.
There were also allegations of subsidized fertilizer being sold to neighbouring countries.
It is therefore important for the ministry to choose a few big companies which are experienced and can be monitored, to ensure that this input reaches farmers at the right time and the right price.
In an interview with the Guardian on Sunday recently minister Msola said that the government recognizes the TFC performance in the year 2007/8 hence giving it the biggest allocation compared to other companies.
He said the government intends to give more allocation to TFC depending on its financial ability and will convene a meeting with Chapa Meli and TFC so that Chapa Meli distributes its fertilizers through TFC.
The TFC General Manager told the Guardian on Sunday that Tanzania is a big country, but because TFC has a large distribution network, it has managed to reach farmers in nearly all the regions.
It also has agents where it does not have depots. TFC is able to meet over 40 per cent of the demand for fertilizers in the country.
The TFC General Manager notes while subsidized fertilizers should be available throughout the year, at present it is available only between October and May which is the farming season.
If the subsidy is given for the whole year the farmer will be able to get fertilizer every time he needs it, said the TFC General Manager.
He said TFC boasts of experienced workers who have worked for the company for over 35 years.
He said TFC’s working capital has been increasing raising the confidence of financial institutions in TFC to enable it fund its operations.
Regarding future plans in connection with distribution of fertilizers the target is to meet 50 per cent of the demand for fertilizer in the country. TFC will also bring its distribution services closer to the agents.
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