No fertilizer crisis in country, 4 months’ extra stock available: Agriculture minister

Mohammed Aminur Rashid, Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister, has informed that there is no shortage of fertilizer in the country. He informed that there is extra fertilizer in government stock to meet the need of the next four months compared to the demand. At the same time he has warned of taking strict legal action against dishonest businessmen and those involved if attempts are made to create artificial crisis.

The agriculture minister said these in his speech as chief guest at the exchange of views meeting with local onion and jute farmers at the conference room of Faridpur Sadar Upazila Parishad at noon on Saturday (August 29). The district administration and the Department of Agricultural Extension jointly organized this meeting.

The minister said although there is adequate fertilizer stock in the country an dishonest circle is making attempts to create artificial crisis in the market. If any of the businessmen and miscreants is involved in such activities they will be identified and brought under the law. He also informed that the government is alert so that the farmers do not face any kind of problem for fertilizer.

Highlighting the importance of onion production of Faridpur Mohammed Aminur Rashid said the production of Faridpur meets about 25 percent of the total demand of onion of the country. ‘Air flow machine’ has already been given to assist the farmers in preserving onion. Through this it will be possible to preserve onion for a long time. He also informed that there is a plan to deliver this type of machine to more farmers before the next season.

Mentioning that Faridpur also has a special role in jute production the agriculture minister said the government is working so that the farmers get fair price of the produced jute. Alongside government initiatives are also continuing regarding the reopening of the jute mills that have been closed for a long time.

At the exchange of views meeting held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Mazharul Islam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam, Member of Parliament of Faridpur-3 constituency Chowdhury Nayab Yusuf, Member of Parliament of Faridpur-4 constituency Md Shahidul Islam Babul, Member of Parliament of Faridpur-1 constituency Professor Dr Md Elias Molla, Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension Md Abdur Rahim, Additional Police Super Fatema Islam and officials of administration, political parties and agriculture department were present. Besides, local onion and jute farmers also took part in the meeting.