Artificial fertilizer crisis calls for strict monitoring

THE attempts by certain unscrupulous traders and dealers to create an artificial fertilizer crisis in various parts of the country are deeply concerning.

According to a report published in a national newspaper, this artificial scarcity during the peak Aman planting season has driven up its prices by 25 percent.

The Agriculture Ministry’s own data shows that national reserves comfortably exceed current demand: against a requirement of 13.21 lakh tonnes for the July-September period, the existing stocks stand at 13.65 lakh tonnes.

What’s causing the crisis then? However, Agriculture Minister Aminur Rashid has alleged that the breakdown in distribution, despite sufficient stocks, is part of a “planned conspiracy,” although he stopped short of identifying who is behind it.

Meanwhile, the administration has intensified monitoring and enforcement operations to ensure a steady supply of fertiliser.

In Dinajpur, 669 sacks of illegally stockpiled fertilizer were seized, and two unscrupulous traders were sentenced to imprisonment.

The overall situation at dealer points in Rajshahi has been reviewed through direct field inspections by the fertilizer and seed monitoring committee.

This prompt action and the punitive measures taken by the administration are commendable.

It has become evident that the syndicate responsible for creating artificial shortages and selling adulterated fertilizer is extremely reckless.

As per the government data, buffer warehouses hold adequate stocks of both urea and non-urea fertilizers, and in many instances, permission has even been granted to lift fertilizers against advance allocations. In other words, there is no actual shortage of fertilizer at the field level.

The shortage that is emerging stems from the illegal hoarding, smuggling, and artificial crisis-mongering of unscrupulous syndicates.

Agriculture is the primary driving force of our economy, and the farmer is its lifeblood.

A shortage of fertilizer or the use of adulterated fertilizer during the peak Aman season can hinder the achievement of agricultural production targets.

It is, therefore, the government’s responsibility to ensure that marginal farmers do not fall victim to the greed of a handful of unscrupulous traders.

Mere temporary drives or token fines will not put an end to these illicit activities; strict legal measures and administrative examples are required.

To ensure that farmers receive quality fertilizer at the right price and on time, the fertilizer and seed monitoring committees in every district must remain constantly active.

It is essential to bring the records of fertilizer allocation and sales at dealer points and warehouses under a transparent digital monitoring system.

Anyone creating an artificial fertilizer crisis must be identified and subjected to severe punishment.

It is expected that the administration and the Department of Agriculture will maintain strict vigilance throughout the year to safeguard farmers’ interests and ensure food security.