Dhaka: The Advisers Council Committee on Government Purchase has recommended the approval of fertilizer procurement proposals totaling 55,000 metric tons to ensure the continuous supply of agricultural inputs across the nation. This decision was made during the 6th meeting of the committee this year, held at the Cabinet Division Conference Room at Bangladesh Secretariat, with Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed presiding.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting approved a proposal from the Ministry of Agriculture to import 25,000 metric tons of Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) fertilizer. This procurement will occur under a state-level agreement between Groupe Chimique Tunisien (GCT) of Tunisia and the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC). The import is estimated to cost Taka 162.57 crore, with each ton priced at US$530.
In a separate decision, the committee recommended the approval of a proposal from the Ministry of Industries to import 30,000 metric tons of bagged granular urea fertilizer from Karnaphuli Fertilizer Company Limited (KAFCO) for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This procurement, inclusive of bagging charges, will cost Taka 158.65 crore, with the per-ton price set at US$431.
Officials have emphasized the importance of these fertilizer imports in meeting domestic demand during upcoming cultivation seasons, thereby contributing to food security. Additionally, the purchase committee meeting recommended the approval of two proposals for constructing fertilizer buffer godowns in the Meherpur and Thakurgaon districts to enhance storage and distribution capabilities nationwide.
Under the ‘Construction of 34 Buffer Godowns across the Country for Fertilizer Storage and Distribution (1st Revised)’ project, a godown with a capacity of 10,000 metric tons will be constructed in Meherpur at the cost of Taka 40.76 crore, with M/S SS Rahman International Ltd. as the implementing agency. Another godown, with a 20,000 metric ton capacity, will be built in Thakurgaon for Taka 59.19 crore, with M/S Mazid Sons Construction Ltd. as the contractor.
Officials have stated that these buffer godowns will ensure the timely availability of fertilizers to farmers, thereby reducing post-procurement losses.