Netrakona, Aug 30 (V7N) — Allegations of an artificial fertiliser shortage, overpricing and irregularities in the government supply system have emerged against several BCIC fertiliser dealers in Barhatta upazila of Netrakona district at the beginning of the Aman rice season.
Farmers say they are facing severe difficulties as they are unable to obtain fertiliser at government-fixed prices when needed.
An investigation on the ground found allegations against BCIC fertiliser dealers Mainul Haque Traders, Radha Raman Saha Roy and Sushree Rani Saha Roy of creating an artificial shortage and operating their businesses in violation of government regulations.
Local farmers alleged that fertiliser is often unavailable at the warehouses of many dealers when demand is high. However, they claimed that fertiliser can sometimes be obtained through various means if buyers agree to pay prices higher than the government-set rates.
Farmers alleged that some unscrupulous dealers are attempting to manipulate the market by taking advantage of increased demand for DAP, TSP and MOP fertilisers during the Aman cultivation season.
As a result, many farmers are being forced to purchase fertiliser at inflated prices, while others are delaying fertiliser application because they cannot obtain the required supplies. Farmers fear that such delays could affect crop production.
Local residents said the problem was not new. Similar allegations emerge at the beginning of the farming season every year, but the situation has reportedly changed little due to inadequate monitoring.
Farmers have called for regular market inspections and visits to dealers’ warehouses to determine whether fertiliser stocks are being properly distributed.
Several posts have recently appeared on social media alleging fertiliser shortages, overpricing and irregularities involving government-supplied fertiliser in Barhatta. The local administration has also previously conducted drives against some dealers and imposed fines, according to local sources.
Barhatta Upazila Agriculture Officer Sharmin Sultana said all fertiliser dealers had been instructed to sell fertiliser in accordance with government guidelines.
“If anyone commits irregularities or creates an artificial shortage and harasses farmers, strict legal action will be taken against them,” she said.
However, farmers questioned whether instructions alone would be sufficient to stop artificial shortages and overpricing without regular field-level monitoring and visible enforcement.
They have urged the relevant authorities to intervene promptly to ensure the availability of fertiliser at government-approved prices during the Aman cultivation season.
The allegations against the named dealers could not be independently verified at the time of publication.
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