Agriculture and Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid on Saturday said the country has sufficient fertiliser supplies and warned that strict action would be taken against anyone found creating an artificial shortage or charging farmers excessive prices.
He made the remarks at a meeting with government officials at the deputy commissioner’s office in Faridpur.
Faridpur Deputy Commissioner Mazharul Islam presided over the meeting.
The minister said the country imports 1.5 million tonnes more fertiliser than its total demand, leaving no scope for a shortage.
He said some fertilizer retailers are spreading rumours that fertiliser is unavailable in the market while supplying it when offered extra money.
The minister said the government is farmer-friendly and will do whatever is necessary for the development of farmers.“The government believes that the country will progress if farmers prosper.”
He said the quality of soil in the country has deteriorated for various reasons, but Faridpur’s soil is still among the best in the country.
Such fertile soil is difficult to find in many other districts, creating significant opportunities to further develop agriculture in Faridpur, he added.
The minister said the government is working to stop imports of jute and onion seeds in the future.
He said another major government target in agriculture is to reduce imports of agricultural products and meet domestic demand through increased local production.
“Our main target is to ensure that we do not have to import any agricultural products in the future. We are trying to produce them ourselves. Everyone concerned will have to work hard and make efforts to achieve this,” he said.
He instructed dealers to play a responsible role in ensuring that fertiliser reaches farmers on time and at fair prices.
Director General of the Department of Agricultural Extension Mohammad Abdur Rahim, Faridpur, Additional Superintendent of Police Fatema Islam, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sohrab Hossain and Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension agriculturist Shahaduzzaman, among others, attended the meeting.
