Farmers in Karimganj upazila of Kishoreganj district are struggling amid a severe shortage of TSP, DAP and urea fertilisers, which has disrupted cultivation in the area.
A visit to several local markets revealed that many BADC fertiliser dealers are not following government directives in distributing fertilisers. Some retail dealers reportedly withdrew their October allotments of TSP, MOP and DAP fertilisers but did not sell them to farmers. Instead, they allegedly sold their licences illegally to other traders.
Local farmers complained that the agriculture department is failing to properly monitor fertiliser distribution, while some dealers are allegedly involved in irregularities in collusion with officials.
Anju Mia, a farmer from Bhatikanggatia village, said, “I’ve cultivated maize, which requires TSP, DAP and urea. But when I went to dealer Soni’s shop, none of these fertilisers were available. The traders don’t keep registers, don’t issue cash memos and don’t even record farmers’ phone numbers.”
Soni, son of BCIC fertiliser dealer Abul Hashem, said, “The supply is low while demand is high. That’s why we can’t meet farmers’ needs.”
Gundhar Union Parishad Chairman Abu Shayem Russel Bhuiya confirmed the shortage, saying, “Farmers are indeed facing a fertiliser crisis. The matter has been reported to higher authorities.”
However, Karimganj Upazila Agriculture Officer Apurba Sutra Dhar claimed there is no fertiliser crisis in the area. “Both the upazila administration and the agriculture department are actively monitoring the situation,” he said, adding that the upazila has 15 BCIC dealers and 103 retail dealers.
Attempts to contact Karimganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Tahmina Akter for comment were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to phone calls.
DH/NSA
