Fertiliser crisis in Jhenaidah worries Aman farmers

Ropa Aman farmers in Jhenaidah are worried about the crop's production as they face difficulties getting fertiliser in sufficient quantities during the peak cultivation season.
Farmers have reportedly been visiting dealers' shops repeatedly to buy fertiliser but are often turned away. Crowds of farmers have also been seen gathering outside dealers' outlets in different areas.
The farmers alleged that they are not getting the required fertiliser even after paying high prices. Dealers, however, admitted that supplies are insufficient compared with demand, while the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) said there is no fertiliser shortage in the district.
On 5 September, farmers blocked the Garaganj-Shailkupa road at the sales centre of BCIC fertiliser dealer M/s Shuvo Enterprises in Garaganj Bazar of Shailkupa upazila at around 11:30am, protesting the unavailability of fertiliser. They placed wooden logs on the road as part of their protest.
Later, Shailkupa Assistant Commissioner (Land) and a deputy assistant agriculture officer went to the spot and arranged for fertiliser to be sold to farmers from the dealer's sales centre. The farmers subsequently withdrew the blockade. Farmers said essential fertilisers, including urea and phosphate fertilisers, are not available to meet demand. They fear that Aman production could be affected if they fail to apply fertiliser on time.
Dealers said the supply of fertiliser is lower than demand and sought steps to increase supplies.
According to the DAE, Aman paddy has been cultivated on 104,506 hectares of land in Jhenaidah this season. The third round of fertiliser application has already been completed, but farmers are still reporting difficulties in obtaining fertiliser.
Kamruzzaman, deputy director of the DAE in Jhenaidah, said there is currently no fertiliser shortage in the district. He said the monthly demand for September is 5,685 tonnes of urea, 11,650 tonnes of TSP, 19,650 tonnes of DAP and 18,780 tonnes of MOP, while allocations are equal to the demand.
"There may be a problem with some dealers' manipulation. We have sent a list to cancel the dealerships of those found involved in such practices," he said.
He also alleged that some farmers are using excessive amounts of fertiliser.
"Where 15kg of fertiliser is needed for a piece of land, some farmers are applying 45kg in three phases. This is damaging soil fertility and contributing to the perceived fertiliser crisis," he said.