The government is constructing 47 buffer godowns for fertilisers across the country with the purpose of increasing the stock of fertilisers during the peak season and ensure proper distribution among the dealers, reports BSS.
Presently, the construction of 13 buffer godowns in different districts under a Tk 6.02 billion project is going on in full swing.
The Bangladesh Chemical Industries Corporation (BCIC) is implementing the project. The duration of the project was from January 2017 to June 2020.
The 13 warehouses are being built in Panchagarh, Nilphamari, Sherpur, Sunamganj, Kishoreganj, Pabna, Gaibandha, Chapainawabganj, Jashore, Rajbari, Netrakona, Gopalganj and Barishal.
The government has taken another project for constructing the remaining 34 godowns. Land acquisition for the project is progressing fast.
Talking to BSS, State Minister for Industries Kamal Ahmed Mojumder said the government is working to achieve self-sufficiency in fertiliser production in order to reduce dependence on import.
"World-class fertiliser factories are being set up to increase the country's fertiliser production capacity by setting up environment-friendly, high-tech and energy-efficient factories," he added.
The government would gradually set up buffer warehouses in every district to facilitate the storage and distribution of fertilizer, he said.
Project Director of the 13 buffer godowns AKM Habibullah said the construction of two godowns has already been completed.
Presently, the country meets the domestic demand for 2.5 million tonnes of urea by importing at least 60 to 70 per cent of the total demand, he said.
Currently, the government uses 25 emergency godowns of Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) to store urea, he said.