Farmers in Meherpur are facing a fertiliser shortage during the peak vegetable cultivation season, with many alleging that they are failing to get supplies from dealers and are being forced to buy at higher prices from open markets.
The shortage has raised production costs and concerns over crop yields as farmers struggle to apply fertiliser on time.
Sheikhpara farmer Babul Parvez said he has cultivated banana on five bighas, onions on seven bighas, cauliflower on 10 bighas and potatoes on another seven bighas this year. However, he claimed he repeatedly returned from dealers’ warehouses without getting the required fertiliser.
“Without timely fertiliser application, achieving expected yields is difficult. I have been forced to buy fertiliser from open markets at prices higher than the government-fixed rates, increasing production costs,” he said.
Other farmers, including Firoz Ali and Mega Khan, also reported similar difficulties. Khan alleged that he had to pay an additional Tk300-400 per sack for fertiliser from open markets.
Farmers said the situation could hurt small and medium growers the most as higher input costs may reduce profits, especially if crop prices remain low.
Meherpur Fertiliser Traders Association President Hafizur Rahman said temporary shortages occurred due to lower allocation compared with demand, but there was no severe crisis in the district.
“Some dealers may have faced difficulties in meeting demand due to temporary coordination gaps between allocation and supply. However, the situation is under control,” he said.
Department of Agricultural Extension Deputy Director Kazi Shahnewaz said there was no fertiliser shortage in the market and supplies were being provided according to farmers’ demand.
According to the agriculture department, the district’s total demand for DAP and urea fertilisers this season has been set at 52,491 tonnes. The department said it was monitoring supply and market management to ensure availability.
