BADC delivers fertiliser to farmers’ doorsteps on time

Staff Reporter:

Bangladesh, an agriculture-dependent nation, owes much of its farming success to the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC). Established on October 16, 1961, via ordinance, BADC has driven fundamental changes in the country’s agriculture since independence.

It handles essential inputs like seeds, irrigation, and fertiliser—none more critical than timely, adequate fertiliser for crop production. From inception until 1991-92, BADC managed government-level fertiliser distribution. It resumed limited non-urea fertiliser (TSP and MoP) imports and distribution from 2006-07, revitalising agriculture and boosting yields. Farmers easily accessed quality imports, stabilising the sector. Success led the government to assign DAP fertiliser duties from 2010-11. BADC staff tirelessly keep Bangladesh’s agricultural wheel turning.

To ensure transparency in imports, clearance, storage, transport, and distribution, tag officers monitor loading points nationwide. A special taskforce combats theft, smuggling, and hoarding with surprise warehouse raids. The entire process falls under the Chairman’s direct oversight via a central control room.

This room links transport contractors, dealers, warehouse keepers, joint directors, and headquarters directly using GPS cameras, photos, and WhatsApp groups for seamless monitoring. Complaints receive instant resolution through higher authorities.

Currently, 141 warehouses with 2,766,330 metric tonnes capacity handle storage and distribution across 21 regional zones (east and west). Under the “Maintenance, Renovation, and Strengthening of BADC Fertiliser Warehouses” project, Phase 1 built 17 pre-fabricated steel godowns (50,000 MT) and renovated 115 old ones (20,000 MT). Phase 2 is constructing 25 more (60,200 MT), with 17 others (39,800 MT) underway.

BADC’s nationwide marketing network sells quality imported non-urea fertiliser to registered dealers and institutions at subsidised rates for farmers. In 2024-25, it imported 1.856 million MT of TSP, MoP, and DAP.

Farmers trust BADC for unadulterated, high-quality fertiliser akin to its seeds and irrigation. With half the required staff, BADC operates nonstop per government directives, ensuring timely delivery despite limited manpower. Its efforts secure long-term food security and self-sufficiency, earning recognition as an ideal institution in building a hunger- and poverty-free Bangladesh.