Tension over fertilizer erupts again in Kurigram, agriculture official detained
Farmers protest at a dealer point in Nageshwari, Kurigram after failing to get fertilizer. Photo: Agamir Somoy
Fears of a fertilizer shortage appear to have gripped farmers in Kurigram. After Bhurungamari, Roumari and Rajibpur, anger among farmers erupted at a dealer point in Nageshwari. They blocked a road and held an agriculture official inside the dealer point.
The protest took place from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm Friday in front of BCIC dealer M/S Bhai Bhai Traders in Ballaverkhas Union of the upazila.
Farmers said demand for fertilizer is increasing for cultivation of the area's main crops during the Rabi season, including Aman, eggplant and various vegetables. However, they have not been receiving fertilizer according to demand since the beginning of the season.
Meanwhile, several hundred farmers gathered in the morning after hearing that fertilizer would be distributed at Bhai Bhai Traders. Sub Assistant Agriculture Officer Rafiqul Islam was also there.
Farmers alleged that shortly after distribution began, they were told that the allocated fertilizer had run out. Angry farmers then blocked the road and staged a protest. They locked the door from outside after keeping the Sub Assistant Agriculture Officer and the dealer's staff inside the warehouse. The farmers took positions on the road by placing tree trunks there. Later, police, Border Guard Bangladesh and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) went there and rescued them.
Farmer Omar Faruk said farmers from Berubari, Bamondanga and Ramkhana unions had staged protests on September 14 after failing to get fertilizer. Although the UNO had assured them that the crisis would be resolved at the time, sufficient fertilizer is still not available. Instead, the shortage appears to be worsening.
Farmer Mojibor of Gabtala village said, “Farming is becoming difficult because of the fertilizer shortage. We cannot get fertilizer even after facing a lot of harassment. So, we all blocked the road.”
Abdus Salam from the same village said, “When we go to the dealer, they say there is no fertilizer. We have been coming here for many days. I stood in line today but later heard that the fertilizer had run out. Agriculture officials say there is no fertilizer shortage. Then why can't we get fertilizer?”
Sub Dealer of the dealer point Khairul Islam declined to comment. Sub Assistant Agriculture Officer Rafiqul Islam could not be reached by phone.
Upazila Agriculture Officer Shahriar Hossain claimed that there is sufficient fertilizer in stock. “Fertilizer was supposed to be distributed from two points today. As the fertilizer at one point ran out, farmers held the Sub Assistant Agriculture Officer after failing to get fertilizer. We are trying to provide fertilizer to farmers according to their demand from another point,” he said.
UNO Mohammad Alauddin said, “The angry farmers blocked the road for some time. This problem occurred because many people came to collect fertilizer at the same time and could not get it. They have been explained the situation. Everyone will receive fertilizer in phases.”
He also said action would be taken against the Sub Assistant Agriculture Officer and the dealer if irregularities are found in fertilizer distribution.
Just two days ago, local farmers were accused of looting fertilizer from a warehouse in Rajibpur upazila. A commotion broke out when the dealer tried to beat the angry farmers with sticks. Police later brought the situation under control.
On August 23, angry farmers looted a warehouse in Shilkhuri Union of Bhurungamari after failing to get fertilizer. An investigation later found negligence by the dealer. Fifteen days later, another group of farmers broke into a warehouse in Roumari and took away fertilizer. On the same day, police and Border Guard Bangladesh had to be deployed at another dealer point to control the situation.
