No fertiliser crisis in Bangladesh: Agriculture minister

Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid today said there is no fertiliser crisis in the country, accusing “conspirators” of spreading panic over the issue.

The minister claimed at an exchange of views with officials in Faridpur that the country currently has 16 lakh tonnes more fertiliser in stock than its annual requirement.

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He, however, acknowledged that fertiliser was not available in the market at government-fixed prices, saying it could be purchased at higher prices.

“This means some greedy people are manipulating the situation,” he said.

The minister then urged government officials to provide accurate information and speak the truth, saying reliable information would help the government make better decisions.

He also called for increasing production of onions, ginger, green chilli, turmeric, tomatoes, cumin and lentils to reduce dependence on imports. He particularly stressed expanding cultivation of the Taherpur onion variety, which he said could be stored for up to eight months.

Later, the minister met onion and jute farmers at Faridpur Sadar Upazila Parishad.

Foreign Affairs State Minister Shama Obaed, who attended the meeting, also alleged that rumours about a fertiliser shortage were part of a conspiracy. She said the prime minister was personally monitoring the situation and monitoring teams had been formed in every district.