The government intends to invest in fertiliser production as a long term plan to tackle high cost of living, Agriculture cabinet secretary Mithika Linturi has said.

Speaking when he toured a fertiliser manufacturing plant in Dodoma, Tanzania, he announced that the government will import the farm input from the neighbouring country starting July this year as a short term measure.

Linturi commended Tanzania’s production model which incorporates the use of organic manure and phosphorus terming it cost effective.

Linturi further promised farmers that the government will continue subsidising fertiliser at the current price of Sh3,500 until a lasting solution is found.

On his part, Tanzania deputy minister for Agriculture Anthony Mwavunde agreed on the need to tackle food shortage in the region on a united front.