Fertilizer Shortages: Price Hike Raise Concerns Over Aman season
Farmers across Bangladesh are preparing Aman paddy fields and planting seedlings as severe fertilizer shortages are reported in several districts. Farmers allege that dishonest dealers and wholesalers are creating artificial shortages, leaving subsidised fertilizer unavailable at government-set prices while retailers sell it at significantly higher rates. They fear the shortage and rising costs could affect Aman production.The situation has triggered protests. On August 10, thousands of farmers blocked a highway in Lalmonirhat, alleging they could not buy fertilizer at official prices. Farmers said a 50kg bag of TSP, officially priced at Tk1,350, was being sold for up to Tk2,200. DAP, priced at Tk1,050, was reportedly selling for Tk1,700–Tk1,800, while urea, priced at Tk1,350, was being sold for as much as Tk1,800.
Similar complaints have emerged from Kushtia, Rajshahi, Cumilla and other districts. Farmers in Kushtia alleged that dealers were creating artificial shortages and charging Tk5–Tk7 more per kilogram than official rates. Dealers denied the allegations, saying they were selling fertilizer at government-approved prices. The government maintains that there is no nationwide fertilizer shortage and that stocks are sufficient. Agriculture officials said supplies were normal but acknowledged that irregularities by some dealers could be causing problems locally. Agriculture and Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid said there was currently no fertilizer shortage and that the country had adequate stocks. He accused a group of spreading rumours and attempting to create an artificial crisis by selling fertilizer above fair prices. The government, he said, was closely monitoring the situation.
Despite increased government allocations for Aman, many farmers said they were still unable to obtain enough fertilizer from authorised dealers. In some rural areas, subsidised fertilizer was reportedly unavailable at authorised shops while retailers openly sold the same products at higher prices. Farmers also alleged that some dealers quickly claimed their stocks had run out and refused to provide cash memos. An authorised dealer at Naohata market said his July allocation consisted of only 22 bags of TSP, 70 bags of MOP and 110 bags of DAP, all of which were sold within two or three days. Farmers in Bogura similarly warned that delays in receiving urea, DAP and MOP could increase production costs and reduce yields. They called for stronger monitoring, including warehouse inspections and verification of allocations, sales records and prices.
In Kushtia, marginal farmers alleged that dealers and retailers were charging Tk5–Tk9 more per kilogram than official rates, particularly for urea, TSP and MOP. Farmers said dealers sometimes claimed fertilizer was unavailable before supplies were sent to retailers at higher prices. Retailers, however, said they were forced to charge more because dealers demanded higher prices. The local agriculture department said it would investigate the complaints. In Cumilla, farmers in Burichang, Debidwar, Chandina and Adarsha Sadar reported difficulties obtaining TSP, DAP and urea. Officials held an emergency meeting of the Burichang Upazila Fertilizer and Seed Monitoring Committee. On July 16, a mobile court fined Shimu Enterprise, a BCIC fertilizer dealer at Nimsar market, Tk15,000 for allegedly selling fertilizer at excessive prices.
Agriculture experts have warned that artificial shortages could place pressure on the government and affect farmers during the crucial Aman season. They urged swift action against hoarding and overpricing. The issue carries historical sensitivity: in 1995 and between 2001 and 2006, farmers were killed in police firing during nationwide protests over fertilizer supplies. Farmers in Gomostapur of Chapainawabganj have also protested, saying they could not apply fertilizer to their Aman fields on time and feared lower production. They demanded adequate supplies and strict enforcement of government-set prices. Local officials assured them that the issue would be addressed.
