Fertiliser stock sufficient but problems remain in distribution

FE Team | Published: November 14, 2007 00:00:00 | Updated: February 01, 2018 00:00:00

Heated quarrel took place between a TCB approved fertiliser-dealer and the aggrieved farmers at Munshirhat area in Munshiganj Tuesday, as the former denied to supply fertiliser to them despite an abundant stock of the agricultural input, which is seen in

Denying any crisis of fertiliser in the country, Industries Adviser Geeteara Safiya Choudhury blamed propaganda and 'some problems' in distribution for panicking the farmers into scramble for the agri-input, report UNB/ bdnews24.com.
"We have sufficient stock of fertiliser, but there are some problems in distribution in some areas, and that made the farmers panicky," said the Adviser replying to a question of journalists at a programme of Acid Control Council held at the Home Ministry Tuesday.
Further explaining the problems, she said media were broadcasting reports on fertiliser crisis while growers showed their reluctance in standing in queue to get fertiliser.
"Earlier, we could not understand the overall demand of the growers so it created some problems, but now we remain alert and do understand the nature of demand. So, we do not expect any further problem in this regard," said the functionary of the interim caretaker government, composed of technocrats.
She said not only the rice growers, fish and corn farmers as well were getting fertiliser allocations this season, which only proved that the government had adequate stocks of fertiliser to meet every requirement.
Geeteara told the media that the government had decided to streamline the manure distribution countrywide, which included the decision of importing more fertiliser and building buffer stocks.
Regarding the irregularities in management of fertiliser distribution, the Industries Adviser said that punitive measures were being taken against those involved in such misdeals. "Some of the suspects have already been suspended," she said.
The government was taking a look at the distribution system to address the hurdles, she said, adding that they were considering introducing a new system being piloted at the field level.
The 'improved' system would be introduced after the 'peak season' is over and the government was employing more people to strengthen the distribution system through the present season, the adviser said.