‘Fertiliser crisis' hits Chilmari farmers hard

CHILMARI, KURIGRAM, Sept 17: Farmers in Chilmari are facing difficulties buying fertiliser as local dealers allegedly create an artificial shortage and sell it at prices higher than the government-fixed rates.

According to the upazila agriculture office, 1,849.43 tonnes of urea, TSP, DAP and MOP were allocated for around 32,150 Aman farmers in six unions from July to September this year. The allocation is 408.43 tonnes higher than last year.

The government-fixed price of a 50kg bag of urea and TSP is Tk 1,350, while DAP and MOP cost Tk 1,050 and Tk 1,000 respectively.

However, farmers alleged that dealers often tell them fertiliser is unavailable and later sell bags for Tk 1,700-1,800. Some farmers are also reportedly asked to produce tokens issued by the agriculture office before receiving fertiliser.

Although there are 17 registered dealers in the upazila, farmers alleged that a handful of influential people effectively control the distribution system.

Gauchal Azam, Joint General Secretary of Ramna Union Awami League, has been accused of controlling several dealerships, including those of Messrs Sirajul Islam, Rahmaniya Seed Bhandar, Messrs Md Mujibur Rahman Manju, Md Rezaunnabi Jahangir and Messrs Abdul Hai Ranjhu.

There are also allegations that Raju Mondal bought the dealership licence of Messrs Habibur Rahman for Tk 20 lakh but has been unable to lift fertiliser due to Gauchal Azam's influence. A case over the matter is pending in court, and an investigation report has been sought from the agriculture office.

Farmers also alleged that buyers from neighbouring areas, including Jadur Char and Shaulmari in Roumari, come to Jorgachha Haat every Sunday and Wednesday and buy fertiliser by paying Tk 350-450 more per bag.

Local BNP leaders and activists monitored the market last Wednesday, preventing outside buyers from purchasing fertiliser. Local farmers were then able to buy fertiliser at government-fixed prices, according to the farmers.

Denying the allegations, Gauchal Azam said, “A dealership licence cannot be transferred. I don't know if anyone has claimed otherwise. The allegation that I influence fertiliser lifting is not true.”

Tapu Kumar Mahanta also denied renting out his dealership licence.

“I lift fertiliser myself. Liton only looks after the warehouse,” he said.

Rezaunnabi Jahangir could not be reached as his mobile phone was switched off. Aminul Islam Dulal, proprietor of Messrs Sirajul Islam, said he was in court before ending the call.

Azadul Islam, a representative of the fertiliser dealers' association, said inadequate supply was responsible for the shortage.

“The agriculture office does not send an accurate assessment of actual demand and submits demand statements according to government policy. As a result, supply falls short and a shortage develops,” he said.

Farmer Kolim Uddin of Panatipara in Ramna said he was initially refused fertiliser because he did not have a token from the agriculture office.

“I later obtained a token and bought fertiliser,” he said.

Rawshan Ali, a farmer from Machabandha Fakirpara in Thanahat Union, said dealers often tell farmers that fertiliser is unavailable and later sell it outside the area at higher prices.

Upazila Agriculture Officer Kanak Chandra said there was no fertiliser shortage in Chilmari.

“Dealers lift fertiliser in their own names and distribute it from their respective dealership points. There may be a lack of coordination among the dealers. If irregularities are found, necessary action is taken,” he said.