Faridpur: Agriculture and Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid today said there is no shortage of fertilizer in the country and action will be taken if anyone found involved in creating any artificial crisis or take excess price.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a consultation meeting with onion and jute farmers at the Faridpur Sadar Upazila Parishad auditorium. Faridpur Deputy Commissioner Mazharul Islam presided over the meeting.
Regarding the fertilizer situation, the minister stated that 1.5 million tonnes of fertilizer have been imported, which exceeds the country's total requirement. An equivalent quantity of fertilizer remains in stock, ensuring there is no possibility of a shortage. However, the minister noted that some miscreants and conspirators are attempting to artificially inflate fertilizer prices.
The minister further mentioned that some retailers are allegedly claiming a scarcity in the market and demanding excessive prices from farmers. He emphasized that strict action would be taken against those involved in such irregularities.
Highlighting the government's agricultural goals, Rashid stressed the importance of reducing dependence on imports of agricultural products. The government is making efforts to ensure that jute and onion seeds do not need to be imported in the future. The objective is to meet domestic demand through local production and eventually export agricultural products.
Minister Rashid reiterated that achieving self-sufficiency in essential agricultural commodities, including green chili, ginger, and garlic, is a government priority. He urged everyone involved to work diligently and make sustained efforts towards this goal.
At the meeting, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam highlighted that the BNP government is farmer-friendly, consistently working towards the socioeconomic advancement of farmers whenever in power.
The event was attended by several notable figures, including Faridpur-3 constituency MP Chowdhury Nayab Yusuf, Faridpur-4 constituency MP Md. Shahidul Islam Babul, Faridpur-1 constituency MP Professor Dr. Md. Elias Molla, Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Md. Abdur Rahim, District Council Administrator Md. Afzal Hossain Khan Palash, and other concerned officials.