Fertiliser Crisis in Barguna Threatens Agricultural Production

Farmers in Barguna are struggling with an acute fertiliser shortage. In Amtali, Taltali and Barguna Sadar, they are visiting markets and sales outlets in search of fertiliser. Failure to apply fertiliser at the right time for Aman and other crops has raised concerns over production. Allegations of irregularities, nepotism, recommendations for unqualified applicants and signature forgery in the appointment of new fertiliser dealers have added to their concerns.

Former Barguna Press Club president Zakir Hossain Miraj said he saw a farmer from Taltali returning home by trawler with fertiliser purchased from Chandkhali Bazar in Betagi upazila on October 19 after failing to find it in Taltali, Amtali and Barguna town.

He said fertiliser and fuel shortages had disrupted production during the previous Boro season. If the situation did not improve during the current Aman season, farmers and the wider economy could face serious difficulties.

Md Nizam Uddin, a farmer from Laupara village in Sonakata Union of Taltali, said fertiliser had to be applied at a specific time to ensure good yields. If it was unavailable then, buying it later might not produce the expected results. Farmers had to visit several shops, while purchasing fertiliser from distant markets increased transportation costs, he added.

Abdul Latif Matubbar, a farmer from Patakata village in Chawla Union of Amtali upazila, said farming activities were delayed when the required amount of fertiliser was unavailable. Delays in application could reduce rice and other crop yields, he said, calling for adequate supplies at government-fixed prices.

Abdul Kader Molla, a farmer from Barguna Sadar, said fertiliser must be available when farmers need it. He called for monitoring allocations during shortages, dealers’ stocks and selling prices to prevent farmers from facing harassment.

In Taltali, allegations have emerged that a union parishad chairman’s son is being considered for a new fertiliser dealership despite already holding a retail fertiliser sales licence. Another allegation concerns the inclusion of an applicant without adequate warehouse facilities on the recommended list. The alleged forgery of warehouse owner Swapan Chandra Shil’s signature also warrants an impartial investigation.

Local BNP leaders have alleged political influence in recommendations for dealer appointments in the Arpangashia and Haldia unions of Amtali. They claim political affiliation was considered when recommending Sohag Munshi for Arpangashia and Md Wahab Khan for Haldia. The allegations need to be verified through an investigation.

Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Barguna SM Badrul Alam said the allegations concerning dealer appointments would be investigated. If irregularities were proven, necessary legal action would be taken, including cancellation of recommendations or dealerships.

Farmers have called for an urgent investigation into the causes of the shortage and steps to restore normal supplies. They have also demanded regular monitoring of dealers’ stocks, allocations and sales, as well as an impartial investigation into alleged irregularities in appointments.

They warned that failure to ensure timely access to fertiliser at fair prices would increase production costs, reduce crop yields and put further pressure on the rural economy.