Dhaka: Agriculture Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury announced that the government is contemplating subsidies for potato farmers who have been impacted by a significant price drop, despite a bumper harvest this season.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the announcement came after an emergency meeting with district agriculture officers at the Agriculture Ministry in the Bangladesh Secretariat. The meeting was prompted by a sudden spike in onion prices. The adviser stressed that the government is exploring effective ways to deliver subsidies to potato farmers.
The adviser also addressed the recent surge in onion prices, attributing the increase to market manipulation. He warned that agriculture officers found involved in such practices would face dismissal. Despite adequate stocks, onion prices had risen by Tk 40-45 per kilogram but saw a decline following the government's decision to permit limited onion imports starting December 7.
He highlighted the need to identify the syndicate responsible for the price hike and urged the media's assistance in this effort. The government aims to stabilize the onion market while balancing the interests of both farmers and consumers, suggesting that a price of Tk 70 per kilogram could serve them both adequately.
Jahangir also mentioned that there is no fertilizer shortage in the country. However, the government has decided to limit fertilizer supply to tobacco farmers to discourage tobacco cultivation. He further warned against the use of harmful fertilizers and pesticides in cattle and fish farming, emphasizing the potential public health risks and urging vigilance against such practices.