No fertilizer crisis in country currently, stock sufficient: Agriculture Secretary

Today Sunday, the Agriculture Secretary said these things while visiting fertilizer management activities in Rangpur region and exchanging views with concerned officials and farmers. The meeting was held in the conference room of the Rangpur Divisional Commissioner's office and was presided over by Rangpur Divisional Commissioner Md. Shahidul Islam NDC. Present at the meeting were Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension Md. Abdur Rahim, along with officials of various levels of administration concerned with fertilizer management in Rangpur division, and heads of various departments and agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture.

At the exchange meeting, the Agriculture Secretary said that the government is working to ensure adequate supply and proper management of fertilizer by giving the highest importance to the interests of the country's farmers. Currently, there is no fertilizer crisis in the country and adequate fertilizer reserves are in stock. Concerned officials must maintain constant vigilance so that farmers can get the necessary fertilizer without being harassed.

He said that the government is providing subsidies and various types of incentives to reduce farmers' production costs and increase their income. The government is implementing various plans to increase agricultural production, increase farmers' income, and make agriculture more profitable.

Advising farmers to use balanced fertilizer, the Agriculture Secretary said that fertilizer must be applied in correct doses and at the right time according to crop needs. Excessive use of fertilizer can increase production costs as well as damage soil quality. Therefore, field-level agricultural officials need to play a more effective role in encouraging farmers to use balanced fertilizer.

Regarding a strict stance on irregularities in the fertilizer market, the Agriculture Secretary said that if any dishonest fertilizer trader creates an artificial crisis, illegally stockpiles fertilizer, or harasses farmers by selling fertilizer at excessive prices, strict action will be taken against them. No irregularities or corruption in fertilizer management will be tolerated in the interest of farmers.

He directed all officials and employees of the agriculture department to become more careful and responsible in performing their duties properly. He called upon field-level officials to become more active in quickly identifying and solving farmers' problems.

At the exchange meeting, discussions were held on fertilizer supply, stock, and distribution management in the Rangpur region, as well as the overall situation of farmers' access to fertilizer. Concerned officials informed the Agriculture Secretary about the fertilizer management activities in the region.

Later, the Agriculture Secretary visited the community-based vermicompost farm established by farmer Ahidul Islam of Ghanirumpur village in Taraganj upazila of Rangpur. During this time, he toured the farm's various activities and talked with the farmer.