AUTHORITIES in Njombe Region have promised to provide free land to the government of the Russian Federation for the construction of a fertiliser factory to help improve availability of the key agriculture input and reduce costs.

Njombe Regional Commissioner Anthony Mtaka made the statement at the weekend before the Russian Federation to Tanzania, Andrey Avetisyan, during his official visit to Kibena Tea Factory and Tanwat forest products processing factory.

The Russian envoy’s visit was aimed at exploring various investment opportunities, including avocado and tea cultivation, which are among the major cash crops produced in the region.

Mtaka stated that Njombe Region has urgent need for a fertiliser factory to meet the needs of local farmers and those from other regions in the southern highlands.

"As a region, we offer the opportunity whereby if we get an investor who can establish a fertiliser factory in Njombe, we will provide free land because our region needs   fertilisers for tea, maize, potato and avocado farming," he said.

He noted that forestry sector has been beneficial by providing employment to thousands of local residents and has the potential to expand further if international investors introduce new production technologies.

He also mentioned another key area where they hope the ambassador can assist: securing investors for tea factories since the sector is currently facing significant challenges.

The   ambassador promised to promote the investment opportunities when he returns to Russia and encourage investors to consider Njombe as a favourable destination for investment in key agricultural and industrial sectors.

He praised the quality Njombe's tea, stating that it is competitive in the international market and promised to promote it in Russia. He also said Tanzania's abundant natural resources make it capable of achieving economic self-sufficiency through local industries.