Dhaka: Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid today informed the parliament that the government is taking comprehensive steps to ensure uninterrupted fertilizer supply, expand farmer support programs, and strengthen agricultural production nationwide. Responding to a supplementary question from Rumeen Farhana, an independent candidate from Brahmanbaria-2 constituency, the minister stated that the government currently holds a sufficient stock of urea fertilizer to meet national demand until June or mid-July. Discussions are underway with Qatar and Saudi Arabia to secure future supplies.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, with Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Speaker Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed in the chair, the minister highlighted that Bangladesh primarily imports urea fertilizer from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with ongoing negotiations progressing positively. A representative has been dispatched to Qatar by the Prime Minister to expedite the discussions, Amin Ur Rashid added. He assured the House, “We hope there will be no major problem in ensuring fertilizer supply.”
Regarding the decision to halt private import of non-urea fertilizer starting in the fiscal year 2026-27 and concerns over supply after the Boro season, the minister noted that the government is reviewing the fertilizer import system to adopt the most beneficial approach for farmers and the national economy. He explained that while fertilizer import was previously conducted through government-to-government (G2G) arrangements, private sector involvement had been encouraged in the past, resulting in complications. The government is now reassessing the system.
Responding to a question from Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami lawmaker Anwarul Islam (Kurigram-1) about agricultural development in char areas of Kurigram, the minister said the government would examine specific proposals and provide detailed information in writing after reviewing the matter, particularly regarding agricultural credit, farm inputs, and irrigation facilities. He reiterated the government’s commitment to identifying farmers’ needs at the field level and taking appropriate steps to strengthen agricultural production and the rural economy.
In response to a proposal on direct procurement of agricultural produce from marginal farmers, especially onion and potato farmers who are not receiving fair prices, the minister mentioned the introduction of a new low-cost onion storage technology. This technology can preserve onions for up to three months through air circulation with minimal electricity usage.
Earlier, the minister also highlighted the government’s initiative to introduce a digital agriculture card system at union and block levels. This system will gradually include comprehensive agricultural data, such as production and marketing information, to improve service delivery to farmers. He assured the House of the government’s commitment to farmer-friendly policies, agricultural modernization, and ensuring a stable supply of fertilizers and farm inputs across the country.