Panchagarh: State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad today said the country has sufficient fertilizer stocks, with the supply exceeding demand, but proper distribution remains a major challenge. "The country has more fertilizer than the demand. The problem is with its proper distribution," he said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the state minister made the remarks at a views-exchange meeting on fertilizer supply, distribution, stockpiling, and overall management with the district administration and registered chemical fertilizer dealers at the Panchagarh Sadar Upazila auditorium.
He highlighted that many fertilizer dealers appointed in the past were affiliated with a particular political party, or obtained their positions through family connections. As a result, some are now absconding, while others are failing to supply fertilizer properly, thereby attempting to create an artificial crisis.
"Our message is clear: no individual or group will be allowed to create mob situations, panic, or rumours over fertilizer," Farhad emphasized. He further mentioned that the government has decided to appoint fertilizer dealers in every union to ensure proper distribution among farmers, although existing dealers will not be removed.
The state minister also urged the administration to take strong action against anyone attempting to sell fertilizer above the government-fixed price.