‘Artificial’ fertiliser crisis puts farmers in a bind

Farmers in several districts are struggling to secure fertiliser from government-designated dealers, with complaints of rationing, inflated prices and artificial shortages emerging despite repeated government assurances that national stocks are sufficient.

The New Nation correspondents in six districts found that the situation varies from one area to another, but marginal farmers in several locations are being forced to either buy limited quantities from dealers or turn to the open market at significantly higher prices.

Farmers and local sources blamed some dealers for allegedly creating an artificial crisis by hoarding fertiliser and raising prices, while agricultural officials maintained that overall supply remains adequate.

Sirajganj: Price jumps by Tk 500 a sack
The situation is particularly acute in Sirajganj, where an artificial shortage has reportedly pushed up fertiliser prices.

According to the New Nation correspondent, a sack of fertiliser that previously sold for around Tk 1,350 is now being sold for Tk 1,850, an increase of Tk 500.
Marginal farmers are also reportedly failing to receive adequate quantities from government-appointed dealers.

The shortage and price hike have been reported across nine upazilas of the district, according to the correspondent.

Jashore: No shortage, but inadequate supply
In Jashore, there is currently no overall fertiliser shortage, according to the local correspondent.

However, farmers complain that dealers are not providing them with adequate quantities, leaving many unable to meet their agricultural needs.

Rangpur: Shortage at Mithapukur
In Rangpur, a fertiliser shortage has been reported in the godowns of Mithapukur upazila.

Farmers in the area said they are not receiving sufficient fertiliser from dealers, according to the correspondent.

Rajshahi: Monitoring keeps supply stable
The situation is comparatively better in Rajshahi, where no significant fertiliser shortage has been reported in the upazilas.

According to the correspondent, close monitoring by deputy commissioners (DCs) and upazila nirbahi officers (UNOs) has helped maintain normal supply.

Khulna: Prices remain normal in Koyra
In Khulna’s Koyra upazila, fertiliser prices remain normal, with officials maintaining close supervision.

The correspondent said the situation is being monitored under the supervision of Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) officials, including Khulna district DAE director Md Nazrul Islam.

Bagerhat: Farmers forced to pay more
In Bagerhat, however, fertiliser prices are reportedly high.

Farmers said they are being forced to purchase fertiliser from dealers at elevated prices, adding to their production costs.

MPs raise concerns in Parliament
The fertiliser distribution problem also came up at a meeting of ruling party lawmakers at Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Thursday, chaired by Leader of the House and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Lawmakers said their constituents were repeatedly raising complaints about difficulties in obtaining fertiliser.

They called for vacant fertiliser dealerships to be filled quickly and expressed concerns over delays and irregularities in distribution.

Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stressed that dealer appointments should be completed promptly and that irregularities must be prevented, even if fertiliser stocks are sufficient.

The lawmakers said having adequate stocks would not resolve the problem unless fertiliser reaches farmers on time and at the government-set price.

They called for stronger administrative monitoring and a more effective field-level distribution system.

The meeting was also told that the country has sufficient fertiliser stocks and that the government is monitoring supply and distribution.

The prime minister urged vigilance against any attempt at “sabotage” involving fertiliser.

Supply adequate, distribution remains the concern
The district-level picture suggests that Bangladesh’s fertiliser problem is less about overall availability and more about last-mile distribution, dealer practices and price control.

While some districts are maintaining normal supply through stronger monitoring, farmers in other areas are reporting rationing and price hikes.

For marginal farmers already facing rising production costs, the inability to obtain fertiliser at the official price could further increase cultivation expenses and put pressure on the country’s agricultural production.