Fertiliser Must Reach Farmers on Time

Farmers in Lalmonirhat’s Hatibandha Upazila blocked the Lalmonirhat-Burimari highway for about an hour on Tuesday, protesting alleged irregularities in fertiliser distribution during the early maize cultivation season. Although the incident occurred in one upazila, it highlights a wider concern about our farmers’ access to essential agricultural inputs across the country. Against this backdrop, we must recognise that maintaining adequate fertiliser stocks means little if genuine farmers cannot obtain them on time and at government-fixed prices. A reliable distribution system must reach every farmer, regardless of location or the influence of local dealers.

According to the protesting farmers, local dealer Messers Munna Traders allegedly favoured selected buyers and sold fertiliser on the black market. They claimed that some buyers received 10 to 12 sacks at night, while ordinary farmers repeatedly visited the dealer without success. These allegations require a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, Hatibandha Upazila Agriculture Officer Harun-or-Rashid said sufficient stocks were available and distribution continued in six wards. He expected the process to finish within two days and said officials could arrange additional supplies if necessary. However, the gap between official assurances and farmers’ experiences points to a broader weakness in distribution oversight. Unless the authorities monitor dealers effectively, similar irregularities can undermine agricultural support in other parts of the country.

The consequences extend beyond the immediate inconvenience of obtaining fertiliser. Farmers must apply it at particular stages of crop growth, and delays can reduce yields and lower household incomes. Consequently, a failure in distribution can threaten both farmers’ livelihoods and the country’s food security. One farmer’s willingness to pay Tk 100 to Tk 200 extra in the open market illustrates the financial pressure cultivators face. More importantly, farmers should not have to pay above the official price to protect their crops. When dealers exploit shortages or favour selected buyers, ordinary cultivators bear the cost, while agricultural production faces unnecessary risks.

The authorities must therefore tackle these weaknesses through stronger monitoring and greater transparency. Agriculture officials should inspect dealers’ stocks and sales records, investigate complaints and take action against proven malpractice. Moreover, they should publish stock information and distribution schedules so farmers across the country know when and where to collect fertiliser. Officials must also respond quickly when local supplies fall short. Regular inspections and accessible complaint mechanisms would help farmers report irregularities before frustration leads to protests. Concurrently, the government should assess distribution practices nationwide to identify recurring problems and prevent them from spreading.

We expect the government to ensure fair and timely fertiliser distribution throughout the country, not merely to resolve individual complaints after protests erupt. Every eligible farmer must receive the required supplies at the official price and at the right time. We must judge agricultural support by what farmers actually receive, not by warehouse figures or official assurances. After all, farmers should spend their time cultivating their land, not chasing dealers for fertiliser. A transparent and accountable distribution system will protect their livelihoods, strengthen food security and sustain the country’s agricultural production.