No fertiliser shortage, temporary issue due to advance stocking: State Minister

There is no shortage of fertiliser in the country, said State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam. He said a temporary problem arose because some farmers bought and stocked fertiliser in advance for the next season, and a few dealers did not lift and distribute fertiliser in time.

He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists after an event at the Shibganj Upazila Parishad premises in Bogura on Wednesday, August 26.

The state minister said there is no discrepancy at the field level regarding urea fertiliser. However, a temporary problem has arisen as some farmers bought non-urea fertiliser in advance for the next season's rabi crops, potatoes, mustard and maize.

He said the government has sufficient stocks of urea, TSP and DAP fertiliser according to demand. Adequate fertiliser is also available in various warehouses across the country. Therefore, there is no shortage of fertiliser.

Mir Shahe Alam informed that a three-member committee was formed in Monday's cabinet meeting to assist the Ministry of Agriculture in addressing complexities related to fertiliser management and distribution. The committee is headed by Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain, with Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib and State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam as members .

The state minister said a circular has been issued to dispel panic among dealers over fertiliser distribution. It clarifies that the current dealers will remain involved in lifting and selling fertiliser until further notice. No fertiliser dealer is being terminated.

He further said the temporary problem occurred as some farmers rushed to buy fertiliser in advance and a few dealers did not lift and distribute fertiliser on time. Action has been taken against dealers who delayed lifting or distributing fertiliser. Some isolated incidents occurred with the intention of undermining the government, and administrative action has been taken in those cases.

Assuring farmers, Mir Shahe Alam said farmers will receive fertiliser through the currently appointed dealers. The government has detailed estimates of how much fertiliser is needed for which crop and when. Fertilisers will be delivered to farmers through dealers and retailers in time according to demand.