Fertiliser association warns of artificial crisis

The Bangladesh Fertilizer Association (BFA) has warned of attempts to create an artificial fertiliser crisis by hoarding supplies and selling them at inflated prices in several northern districts.

In a press release issued yesterday, the association alleged that a "vested quarter", involving dishonest and unregistered fertiliser traders, was looting fertiliser from dealers' warehouses despite adequate government stocks.

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The BFA said the group was trying to create panic among dealers and destabilise the fertiliser management system, even though supplies remain sufficient.

BFA Chairman Md Mosharraf Hossain said the association wanted to make the public aware of the situation and reaffirm its commitment to farmers and the government.

The BFA said it has been responsible for ensuring the uninterrupted supply of fertiliser to farmers at the field level, in line with the government's monthly allocation for agricultural production.

The association has directed dealers across the country to deposit payments and lift allocated urea and non-urea fertiliser from BADC, BCIC and private sources within the stipulated time, and ensure timely stocking and sales to farmers at government-fixed prices.

Dealers have also been asked to immediately notify the concerned Upazila Agriculture Officer when fertiliser consignments arrive and send a copy of the arrival notice to the BFA's central office via WhatsApp.

They have been instructed to maintain sales registers recording all fertiliser sold to farmers from warehouses.

The BFA urged dealers to remain vigilant so that no dealer, sub-dealer or retailer in their district or upazila sells fertiliser above the fixed price.

Its district- and upazila-level leaders have been asked to monitor dealers' sales activities to prevent overpricing.

The association also told dealers to remain alert to dishonest elements selling fertiliser at inflated prices and attempting to shift the blame onto legitimate dealers.

Dealers and farmers should maintain constant liaison with the local agriculture office and administration, it said.

If a dealership is cancelled by local authorities for violating policy, the central BFA will bear no responsibility in such cases.