Rajshahi, Dec 08 (V7N) – Potato farmers in Rajshahi district, the largest potato-growing area in the Greater Barendra region, are facing fertilizer shortages at the start of the current cultivation season. Despite government efforts to supply fertilizers at regulated prices, many farmers report that they are unable to obtain sufficient quantities, often forced to pay above the official rates.
 
Farmers in Tanore, Mohanpur, Godagari, and Paba upazilas, where potato cultivation is most concentrated, are particularly affected. DAP fertilizer priced at Tk 1,050 per bag is being sold at Tk 1,300–1,400, while TSP is largely unavailable until new allocations arrive in November. Some dealers sell fertilizers at Tk 1,650–1,800 per bag, increasing cultivation costs significantly.
 
According to the Rajshahi Department of Agricultural Extension, 220 dealers received allocations in November, including 7,307 tons of urea, 3,186 tons of TSP, 7,839 tons of DAP, and 5,637 tons of MOP fertilizers for nearly 16,000 farmers. Allocations for December include 9,279 tons of urea, 2,556 tons of TSP, 7,951 tons of DAP, and 4,445 tons of MOP. Dealers can collect these supplies throughout December.
 
Despite these allocations, farmers like Abdul Malek from Tanore and Tarikul Islam from Krishnapur report difficulties obtaining fertilizers, leading to frustration and delayed planting. Local dealers and agricultural officials acknowledge that government supplies are distributed according to allocations and cannot meet all farmers’ demands, while excessive demand, prior stockpiling for upcoming Boro rice cultivation, and overuse of chemical fertilizers exacerbate shortages.
 
Officials advise farmers to supplement with organic fertilizers to maintain soil fertility, but the immediate lack of essential fertilizers remains a challenge for the region’s potato cultivation season.
 
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