Farmers break into godown and take fertiliser after dealer fails to show up in Roumari

Farmers in Roumari, Kurigram, grew agitated after waiting for a long time without the fertiliser dealer appearing at the sales point. At one point, they broke into the dealer's godown and took away over a hundred sacks of urea fertiliser.

The incident occurred at the dealer point of Messrs Mita-Hasan Enterprise in the Mohila Collegepara area of the upazila on Monday morning (September 7).

Local farmers said they had been gathering at the dealer point since early morning from various areas, including Ward No. 3 of Bandaber union, to collect fertiliser. Frustration grew as the distribution did not begin despite a long wait. The situation became tense as the morning progressed.

Eyewitnesses said the farmers lost patience when the dealer had not arrived at the scene by 11am. A group of farmers then broke through the tin wall of the godown and took away sacks of urea. The incident caused a temporary chaotic situation at the dealer point.

Messrs Mita-Hasan Enterprise dealer Md Matiar Rahman said fertiliser distribution was scheduled to start from 9:30am. However, as the situation became heated, he went to the Upazila Executive Officer to seek administrative assistance. In his absence, farmers entered the godown and took away an estimated 100 sacks of urea. The exact number of sacks taken will be known after counting.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Mahbubul Alam Basunia said there is no shortage of fertiliser in Roumari. Farmers should not face problems if they collect fertiliser with patience. An initiative has been taken to sell fertiliser in open markets from Tuesday to keep the situation normal. He hoped this would also eliminate confusion and rumours among farmers.

Roumari Upazila Executive Officer Md Mahbubul Hasan said he was visiting various fertiliser dealer points to monitor the situation. Law enforcement personnel were also in the field to maintain order. Although a temporary disruption occurred at one sales point, administration members visited the spot and brought the situation under control.