20pc fertiliser price hike frustrates Bogura farmers

OUR CORRESPONDENT | Published: September 02, 2025 23:46:13

BOGURA, Sep 02: Fertiliser prices in northern district Bogura spiked by around 20 per cent this ongoing Aman season, frustrating farmers.
The government fixed the prices of urea and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) at Tk 1,350 a maund, but fertiliser traders at different upazilas have been selling it at Tk 1600-1700 a maund.
Such a price hike might affect the production of different rice varieties, ultimately leading to a surge in the prices of the staple.
Bogura agriculture office repeatedly claimed there is no shortage of fertiliser.
The higher prices are particularly acute in Sherpur, Kahaloo, Nandigram, Gabtoli, Bogura Sadar, and Dhunat.
Local administration has conducted drives across 12 upazilas in the past week, fining 30 individuals Tk 30,000 each and seizing 102,000 bags of fertiliser, which were later sold through auctions.
According to sources from the District Commissioner's (DC) office, five syndicates led by five dealers are manipulating the fertiliser trade.
These syndicates, linked with 163 dealers licensed under Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) and Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC), are buying delivery orders (DOs) and controlling the supply.
Data from the Bogura Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) shows that 185,552 hectares of land has been targetted for Aman cultivation this year, with plantations already completed on 185,492 hectares. Last year, cultivation covered 193,000 hectares.
Abu ali of Sherpur told the FE that he is a small farmer and such rise in fertiliser prices will be a huge burden for him.
He said he usually cultivate by borrowing from NGOs. "My borrowing will increase," he added.
Experts say that unscrupulous dealers are creating an artificial crisis amid peak demand for fertiliser.
Thousands of marginal farmers who buy in small quantities have become victims of the higher prices.
Urea and triple superphosphate (TSP) -- officially priced at Tk 27 per kg-are selling for Tk 30-32. Muriate of potash (MOP) is supposed to be Tk 21 per kg, but sells for Tk 25 and DAP is being sold at Tk 25 instead of Tk 22.
Abdul Aziz, proprietor of Messrs Nihar Traders in Shibganj upazila, said, "This month (August), I received 73 metric tonnes of fertiliser. I'm selling 'Kappu' (the nickname of a fertiliser named after BADC) bags at Tk 1,370, while the government price is Tk 1,350-a Tk 20 difference. But retailers buy from us through various tactics and resell at much higher prices."
Bogura DAE Deputy Director Sohel Md. Shamsuddin Firoz said, 29,042 metric tonnes of urea are required for Aman cultivation on 185,000 hectares.
"We have adequate supply. Similarly, TSP/DAP, MOP, gypsum, zinc sulfate, and organic fertilisers are available in adequate amounts".
Replying to questions, he said there is no reason for a shortage and they are taking strict action against some dishonest traders who engage in corruption.