Govt Warns Tough Action Over Artificial Fertilizer Crisis

Fisheries, Livestock and Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid on Tuesday warned of tougher action against those attempting to create an artificial fertilizer shortage or sell the essential agricultural input above the government-fixed price.

"Strict and exemplary action will be taken against those who try to create an artificial fertilizer crisis by selling it at a higher price than the government-fixed rate," he said.

The minister made the remarks while visiting different agricultural organisations under the Agriculture Ministry at Joydebpur in Gazipur.

He said the country has sufficient fertilizer stocks and adequate supplies are in the pipeline, dismissing rumours of a possible shortage as baseless.

However, he said the government has received complaints that some dishonest traders are allegedly trying to create an artificial crisis by charging higher prices.

"The government remains alert, and fertilizer supply and sales will be strictly monitored," he said.

"Any attempt to create an artificial crisis of this essential agricultural input will be dealt with firmly," Aminur Rashid warned.

He said prices of commodities should not rise irrationally when there is no supply shortage, adding that the reasons behind unusual fertilizer price hikes must be identified despite adequate market availability.

The minister urged relevant departments and agencies to work more actively to control market conditions of essential goods, including agricultural products.

Discussing agricultural research, he said research should not be limited to routine activities but should be timely and based on public needs.

Praising agricultural research organisations, he said they have already developed many new crop varieties and technologies that are benefiting farmers and consumers.

Highlighting the impact of monsoon floods, especially in haor regions, Aminur Rashid said flash floods cause significant crop losses.

He said researchers have been instructed to develop more flood-tolerant rice varieties to help farmers cope with such disasters.

He added that a new flood-resistant rice variety, BRRI-118, has already been developed, and 30 tonnes of seeds will be distributed among haor farmers in the next season.

The minister said cultivation of the new variety would allow farmers to harvest rice earlier, reducing losses from flash floods during the rainy season.

He also stressed the need to increase agricultural exports by improving productivity, modern packaging, preservation, processing and quality control systems.

Agriculture Secretary Dr Rafiqul I Mohamed was present at the event.

Later, the minister attended views-exchange meetings with agricultural organisations and an internal research review workshop of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute as the chief guest.