Keeping fertilisers affordable

Agriculture is one of the main driving forces of our economy. The contribution of the sector to Bangladesh's gross domestic product is around 15 per cent. And it is crucial for our people's livelihood and employment. To achieve self-sufficiency in agricultural production, we need to do everything to stand by our farmers. However, the prices of fertilisers including urea, DAP, TSP and MOP have been increasing day by day. According to a recent global study conducted by ActionAid, fertiliser price in Bangladesh rose by 105 per cent since the Russia-Ukraine war. As a result, farmers are facing multiple challenges. They are now compromising on their education, nutrition and health.

Due to increased prices of fuel oil and electricity, irrigation cost has already gone up. And the hike in fertiliser prices has made farmers raise the price of their products. If fertiliser prices are increased, it will not harm farmers alone but also have a negative effect on agriculture as well. If production costs can be kept at tolerable level, it will benefit not only the farmers but also general people. So, the government should take measures so that fertiliser remain affordable.

Badsha Faysal,

Jurain, Dhaka,

badshafaysal1998@gmail.com