Fertiliser price manipulation in Bauphal
Farmers in Bauphal are struggling to buy fertiliser at government-set prices, with allegations that some traders are creating an artificial shortage and selling sacks at Tk 200-250 above the official rates.
Farmer Md Anwar Paida of Charkalaia village in the upazila said he has been facing difficulties buying fertiliser after planting Aman paddy this season.
“Fertiliser is not available at government-set prices at dealers’ shops. But retail traders are selling it at Tk 200 to Tk 250 more per sack, claiming there is a shortage. Unless we pay the higher price, we cannot get fertiliser,” he said.
Anwar is not alone. Farmers including Nesar Uddin of Shaula village, Oliul Howladar of Kalaia village and Md Sohel of Charmiyajan have made similar complaints.
They said a section of unscrupulous fertiliser traders was allegedly creating an artificial shortage and selling fertiliser at inflated prices as demand increased at the beginning of the Aman season.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Agriculturist Md Milon said there was no fertiliser shortage in the upazila.He said the agriculture department would take strict action if any dealer was found creating an artificial shortage or selling fertiliser at inflated prices.
“There is no scope for selling fertiliser above the government-set prices. If any dealer sells fertiliser at a higher price, their authorisation to sell fertiliser will be cancelled,” he said.
According to the upazila agriculture office, the Aman paddy cultivation target for the current season has been set at 34,800 hectares, while the Aus paddy target is 2,806 hectares.
Considering the expected increase in fertiliser demand during the Aman season, 770 metric tonnes of urea were allocated to 15 main dealers in August, compared with 295 metric tonnes in July.
The main dealers will distribute the fertiliser among 105 retail dealers. Farmers are supposed to purchase fertiliser from the dealers at government-set prices.
According to the sources, the government-set prices for a 50kg sack of fertiliser are Tk 1,350 for urea, Tk 1,350 for TSP, Tk 1,050 for DAP and Tk 1,000 for MOP.
The 15 government-approved main dealers and 105 retail dealers in the upazila are supposed to sell the fertilisers to farmers at these prices.
However, farmers said the situation on the ground was different. With demand for urea increasing during the Aman season, a section of fertiliser traders was allegedly creating an artificial shortage and charging Tk 200 to Tk 250 more per sack.
Aman farmers said cultivation is extensive in the char areas, resulting in higher demand for fertiliser during the season. Demand for urea and TSP, in particular, increases significantly.
Taking advantage of the increased demand, some traders allegedly withhold fertiliser to create a shortage. When farmers seek fertiliser at the government-set prices, traders reportedly tell them that supplies are unavailable.
Farmers alleged that urea priced at Tk 1,350 per sack was being sold for Tk 1,600 to Tk 1,700, while DAP priced at Tk 1,050 was being sold for Tk 1,150. TSP, officially priced at Tk 1,350, was reportedly being sold for Tk 1,700 to Tk 1,750.
Farmer Oliul Howladar said, “When I go to the main dealer, they say the fertiliser has been distributed to retail shops. When I go to the retail shops, they say supplies are low and therefore the price is higher. As we need more fertiliser at the beginning of the season, I am having to pay Tk 200 extra per sack.”
Another farmer, Zia Uddin, said, “Whenever we need fertiliser most, shopkeepers pretend that there is none. But as soon as we offer more money, the fertiliser suddenly becomes available. This is increasing the cost of Aman cultivation.”
