THE Tanzania Fertilizer Regulatory Authority has urged smallholder farmers in Kagera Region to focus on modern agriculture by using fertiliser to increase the productivity of production on various crops in the field.

Dr Anthony Diallo, chairman of TFRA's board of directors made the call at the weekend here during a visit to listen and resolve concerns facing farmers and agents for the distribution of subsidized fertiliser.

"Our main intention is to build the economic capacity of farmers by increasing production after using fertiliser that will lead to increased productivity in production,” Dr. Diallo emphasized.

Joel Laurent, TFRA executive director urged farmers to invest more in testing the health of the soil so that they can use fertiliser that match the needs of the soil.

 He said that the correct use of fertiliser brings productivity to production, so I urge farmers to continue using correct fertiliser according to the needs of their soil after testing it.

Fadhili Kamhanda, acting manager of the NgaraFarmers' Co-operative Society said that Ngara District received 65 tonnes of fertiliser equal to 1,300 bags, which have been distributed to farmers by 98percent.He said his party entered into an agreement with OCP (T) ltd and Minjingu companies to distribute subsidized fertilizers, which is the first time that fertilizers have been delivered to the district.

Fred Gahanga, the beneficiary of the subsidized fertiliser, said he has benefited from the subsidized fertilizers and is counting on doing well in production for this farming season.

"Then I just tried to use fertiliser on one acre and I saw that it is true if you use fertilizer, I can harvest from30 to 35 kilos,” Gahanga insisted.