Farmers Blockade Highway due to Fertilizer Shortage

Farmers have protested and blocked the highway demanding an end to the acute fertilizer shortage in Kaliganj, Lalmonirhat. Farmers started the protest by blocking the Lalmonirhat-Burimari highway in front of the fertilizer sales center of Bhullarhat Messrs. Saiful Traders in Bhollarhat, Bhotmari Union of the upazila, from Thursday (December 11) morning.

Farmers alleged that there has been a shortage of fertilizer in the area since the start of the corn season. They went to the sales center for a few days but could not find fertilizer. At that time, there was a complaint that dealers were selling fertilizer to retailers at higher prices. Angry farmers blocked the highway and demanded the removal of the dealer and the concerned agricultural officer.

A farmer who did not want to be named said that they need fertilizer for corn in the field. They have been going around for a few days but still cannot find fertilizer. With the help of agricultural officers, dealers are selling outside at higher prices.”

Another farmer said, “Even after going to the dealer repeatedly, I cannot get fertilizer. It is being sold at higher prices in the retail market. This corruption cannot be tolerated anymore.”

Upazila Agriculture Officer Tushar Kanti Roy said, “The pressure has increased as many farmers come to buy fertilizer at the same time. It is a temporary problem due to low stock. The situation will normalize once the demand decreases.”