Breaking fertiliser syndicate saved Tk233cr: Adviser Jahangir

Breaking the fertiliser import syndicate has saved the government Tk233.61 crore, Agriculture Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury said today (25 September).

"Arrears of Tk20,691 crore, along with a total of Tk27,684 crore, have been paid in the fertiliser sector," he made the remarks at a press briefing held at the Secretariat over the overall progress of the ministry over the past year.

The adviser also said, "Bangladesh has received 30,000 tonnes of fertiliser free of cost from Russia. The update of the Fertilizer Dealer Appointment and Distribution Policy-2009 is now at the final stage, while unused jute mill warehouses are being repurposed for fertiliser storage."

Jahangir informed that the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) has expressed interest in providing $200 million in loans to BADC for fertiliser imports, and an agreement for $100 million has already been signed.

"Initiatives have been taken to increase the use of organic fertilisers, while amendments to pesticide regulations are underway. Over the past year, nine new projects worth Tk2,646 crore have been launched, three revised, and two cancelled," he said.

On land use, the adviser stressed that no arable land should be destroyed, adding that construction on double- and triple-cropped lands will not be allowed. "To ensure farmland protection, the government is drafting the Land Use and Agricultural Land Protection Ordinance with strict provisions."

The adviser also said in the past year, 8.855 million small and marginal farmers received free fertiliser, seeds, seedlings, and other assistance worth Tk893.20 crore.

"100 mini cold storages are being set up to preserve vegetables, while special facilities including airflow machines, are being built for onion and potato storage. To ensure fair prices, potato prices have been fixed at Tk22 per kilogramme at cold storage gates, and the government will purchase 50,000 metric tons of potatoes directly from farmers," he added.

Jahangir further said that good agricultural practices (GAP) are being followed in fruit and vegetable cultivation. "GAP protocols for 15 crops — including mango, jackfruit, guava, eggplant, long beans, bottle gourd, pointed gourd, green papaya, potato, cabbage, snake gourd, bitter gourd, taro stem, pineapple, and zara lemon — have already been approved."

'Fertiliser prices to remain unchanged'

The adviser said fertiliser prices will not be increased as long as he remains in office. "Already a new policy on fertiliser has already been formulated and it will soon be placed before the national committee for final approval."

Jahangir, also the home affairs adviser, said they have a plan to hold a meeting next week and finalise the approval. "We're introducing significant changes in the policy for the fertiliser dealer."

Referring to the fertiliser smuggling, the adviser said the law enforcement agencies have been directed to take measures to prevent such illegal activities, reports UNB.

Asked about Petrobangla's move to raise gas prices for fertiliser production, Jahangir said if Petrobangla increases gas prices, there will be no increase in fertiliser prices under any circumstances.

Agriculture Secretary Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian and other senior ministry officials were present at the briefing.