Rajshahi, Dec 11 (V7N)- Potato farmers across the northern region, including Rajshahi, are grappling with severe shortages of fertilizers and seeds, coupled with soaring prices during the peak potato cultivation season. This situation has left farmers in a state of distress, with many blaming unscrupulous business practices and alleged syndicate activities involving some agricultural officers and employees.

Farmers reported that while fertilizer is officially priced at Tk 1,000 per bag, they are forced to pay between Tk 1,180 and Tk 1,700 at local markets due to limited allocations. Dealers under the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) and Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) have admitted to sourcing fertilizers from other places to meet demand but acknowledged significant shortages in supply.

Farmers’ Struggles
Habibur Rahman, a farmer from Nor Upazila, shared his ordeal:
"I waited in line for hours and managed to get only one bag of MOP fertilizer at the government-set price. For my 15 bighas of land, I need 30 sacks of MOP, 15 sacks of DAP, and 15 sacks of TSP, but getting these in adequate quantities is impossible."

Another farmer, Mostakin Islam, echoed similar concerns, explaining how he relies on traditional farming practices and often uses excessive amounts of fertilizer to ensure better yields. However, agricultural officials have not provided adequate guidance or support.

Impact of Fertilizer Misuse
Experts warn that the excessive use of fertilizers not only increases production costs for farmers but also harms the soil. Professor Kawsar Ali from Rajshahi University’s Department of Crop Science and Technology explained:
"Using 20-25 kg of MOP, TSP, or DAP per bigha is sufficient for potato cultivation. Overusing fertilizers damages the topsoil and reduces overall yield in the long run."

Efforts by Authorities
The Rajshahi Agricultural Extension Department claims to be addressing the issue through awareness campaigns, group meetings, and monitoring. Deputy Director Umm Salma stated:
"We are holding group meetings with farmers and organizing yard campaigns to educate them about proper fertilizer usage. Our efforts are aimed at reducing excessive fertilizer application and ensuring fair distribution."

Production and Supply Challenges
Despite last year’s record production of 10.6 million tonnes of potatoes, including 79 million tonnes from Rajshahi, the current season has seen insufficient allocations of seeds and fertilizers, driving up prices and creating a supply crisis.

The crisis has pushed farmers to pay inflated prices for fertilizers, with MOP priced as high as Tk 1,180 per bag, DAP at Tk 1,300, and TSP at Tk 1,700, significantly exceeding official rates.

Way Forward
Farmers and experts alike are calling for more robust intervention by the government to ensure fair distribution and address syndicate activities. Additionally, increasing awareness among farmers about proper fertilizer usage and introducing modern farming techniques could help alleviate the crisis in the long term.

The situation underscores the urgent need for better resource allocation, improved communication between farmers and authorities, and stricter monitoring of market practices to protect the livelihoods of potato farmers in the northern region.

END/RA/AJ