The Jessore district unit of Jatiya Krishak Khetmajur Samity (National Peasants and Farm Laborers Association) on Monday submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner, protesting alleged fertilizer black marketing, corruption in the agriculture sector and rising diesel and electricity prices.
The organization brought out a procession from its central office in the town at noon. The procession passed through several roads before gathering in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, where the protesters held a rally.
Later, the leaders submitted the memorandum to the deputy commissioner.
In the memorandum, the organization alleged that although fertilizer supplies were adequate during the peak farming season, dealers were not providing farmers with fertilizer according to their requirements.
As a result, farmers were being forced to purchase fertilizer from the open market or black market at prices significantly higher than the government-fixed rates, the organization claimed.
It also alleged irregularities in government-funded demonstration farms under the Department of Agricultural Extension. According to the organization, demonstration farms were supposed to be established during three rice-growing seasons, but the projects were not properly implemented and allocated funds were allegedly misappropriated.
The farmers’ leaders also expressed concern over rising diesel and electricity prices ahead of the upcoming Boro season.
They said frequent load-shedding and high fuel prices were increasing irrigation and production costs, creating additional pressure on farmers.
The organization warned that if the situation continues, farmers may fail to achieve expected yields and could eventually lose their farmland, increasing rural landlessness and posing risks to the country’s food security.
The organization placed four demands, including ensuring fertilizer supplies at fair prices, stopping black-market sales and taking action against unscrupulous traders.
It also demanded an investigation into alleged embezzlement of funds under demonstration farm projects, proper agricultural subsidies for farmers and action against field supervisors allegedly involved in irregularities.
Other demands included direct subsidies on diesel and electricity used for agricultural production, withdrawal of what the organization described as unjustified fuel price hikes, profitable rice prices and government rice procurement centres in every union.
The organization also demanded that the government purchase the full quantity of rice farmers are willing to sell.
Jessore district committee Acting President Mizanur Rahman spoke while the memorandum was being submitted. Central committee Organizing Secretary Taslim-ur-Rahman addressed the rally.
District leaders Monowara Siddiqui Chhobi, Bithika Biswas, Palash Biswas, Sabar Biswas and Sahabuddin Batul, along with local farmers’ leaders, were also present.