Farmers in Nilphamari allege an artificial fertiliser crisis during the peak rabi and boro seasons, even though official data show no supply shortfall in the district.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Nilphamari received an allocation of 47,569 metric tonnes of fertiliser for the 2025–26 fiscal year, compared with 49,813 tonnes in 2024–25.
Despite the allocation, farmers say authorised dealers claim empty warehouses while fertiliser remains available in retail markets at inflated prices.
“If there is truly a shortage, how is fertiliser available in the market? The shortage seems to be for us, not for traders,” several farmers said.
An investigation by Bangladesh Times found that large volumes of fertiliser are allegedly being channelled through Gomnati and Ambari markets in Domar upazila, where a syndicate is accused of charging Tk500 to Tk700 extra per bag of non-urea fertiliser.
Local farmers and traders alleged that dealers have raised prices across categories under the pretext of supply shortages.
Among those named were Madhu Traders of Gomnati market, traders Rashidul Islam and Nur Alam, and several dealers in Domar market.
The investigation found thousands of bags transported daily by tractor, pickup and auto-van from Gomnati market to other upazilas and neighbouring districts.
Large stocks were seen in warehouses near Gomnati and Ambari markets, but supplies were allegedly not released regularly.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Rafiqul Islam said none of the named traders were government-approved Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) or Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) dealers.
When asked about allegations of black marketing, he declined further comment.
Transport drivers Aminul and Dulal said they regularly carry wholesale non-urea fertiliser from warehouses owned by Madhu Traders, Rashidul Islam and Nur Alam.
Hasanur, a trader at Khogarahat market, said he purchases about 200 bags daily from Gomnati market.
He said traders from Domar, Dimla and Jaldhaka were buying and reselling at higher retail prices.
At least 20 traders from the three upazilas gave similar accounts.
Farmers Zahed Ali, Anwar and Kashem Ali alleged that dealers release limited quantities directly to growers while diverting larger volumes to traders.
Several sellers, speaking anonymously, alleged that fertiliser allocated to Nilphamari is diverted to other districts.
They claimed part of the allocation changes hands before formal lifting and that some dealers hand over sales to sub-dealers on commission, violating regulations.
Some government fertiliser is allegedly repackaged in foreign-branded sacks and sold at higher prices.
In a recorded conversation, Raju, director of Madhu Traders, acknowledged selling 250 to 300 bags daily.
Nur Alam claimed that Madhu Traders and Rashidul Islam together sell about 4,000 bags daily.
Rashidul Islam countered that Nur Alam alone markets at least 3,000 bags per day.
Individuals described as black market operators said 15 to 20 truckloads are unloaded daily at Gomnati market.
District dealers denied wrongdoing.
Tapas Kumar Saha, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Fertilizer Association Nilphamari district unit, said allocations fall short of demand.
Deputy Director of the DAE Monjur Rahman and BADC officials declined comment.
District Commissioner Mohammad Nayiruzzaman said he would order an investigation if specific complaints were filed.
Locals warned that delayed fertiliser access could hurt agricultural output.
The question remains whether Nilphamari faces a genuine shortage or coordinated market control.
