Farmers struggle to buy fertiliser in Naogaon

Farmers in Badalgachhi upazila of Naogaon are facing long queues and difficulty collecting fertiliser ahead of the Aman rice season.

Farmers said they often have to visit several dealers to collect urea, DAP and MOP, as all three types are not available at the same outlet. Many reportedly spend hours waiting in line but still fail to get the required amount.

The situation has also led to allegations of fertiliser being sold Tk 400–500 above the government-set price at some retail shops. However, the agriculture department said there is no fertiliser shortage.

According to the upazila agriculture office, Badalgachhi has 10 BCIC and 19 BADC fertiliser dealers, along with 72 retail sales centres. This month, the upazila has allocations of 312 tonnes of urea, 188 tonnes of TSP, 333 tonnes of DAP and 280 tonnes of MOP.

Dealers said demand for urea is particularly high, while receiving all required fertilisers together would reduce the queues.

Agriculture officer Md Mehedi Hasan said there was no shortage and that officials were monitoring the situation. Upazila Nirbahi Officer Israt Jahan Chhani said an additional 70 tonnes of fertiliser had been brought from Sapahar to ease farmers’ difficulties.

-SA/AJM