Rajshahi, July 30 (V7N) - Farmers in Rajshahi’s Barendra region are facing a severe shortage of fertilizers just as Aman paddy cultivation begins. Despite government-fixed prices, essential fertilizers like urea, TSP, DAP, and MOP are scarce in several upazilas including Tanore, Godagari, Paba, Mohanpur, Durgapur, Bagmara, and Puthia.

Farmers complain that advance stockpiling and illegal diversion of fertilizers to other areas have worsened the crisis. Moreover, fish farmers are buying large quantities of fertilizers for their ponds, further reducing availability for crop cultivation.

Though government prices are fixed—e.g., 50 kg TSP at Tk 1,350—retail prices in Rajshahi markets are significantly higher, with some dealers charging up to Tk 1,700 per bag. Due to scarcity from official dealers, many farmers resort to buying at inflated prices from open markets.

Farmers in Godagari organized protests demanding cancellation of dealer licenses, accusing dealers of corruption, illegal diversion, and price gouging. In Paba, a farmer reported paying Tk 30 per kg for urea, which translates to Tk 1,600 per bag, highlighting rising costs compared to previous years.

Officials acknowledge government subsidies of Tk 21 per kg for urea, Tk 49 per kg for DAP, Tk 23 per kg for TSP, and Tk 40 per kg for MOP. However, inadequate monitoring allows dishonest dealers to siphon fertilizer stocks from warehouses and sell at higher prices in high-demand areas, leading to harassment of farmers.

The local agricultural office in Charghat reports regular market monitoring and legal action against violations, including fines for fertilizer smuggling. The district’s Fertilizer and Seed Monitoring Committee conducts warehouse inspections and issues ‘subsidized fertilizer’ labels, along with mandatory sales receipts to buyers. Despite these measures, enforcement remains weak.

Additionally, rules prohibit fertilizer sales for non-agricultural uses, yet fish farming consumes significant quantities in Rajshahi, further straining supplies.

The Deputy Director of Rajshahi Agricultural Extension Department assures that sufficient fertilizer stock exists in the region and monitoring is ongoing, though farmers remain concerned about access and price stability.

This shortage at the critical Aman planting season poses risks to crop production and farmer livelihoods in the region, underscoring the need for stronger regulatory oversight and equitable fertilizer distribution.

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