No scope to sell fertiliser at higher prices: Agriculture minister
In his question, Mujibur Rahman alleged that chemical fertilisers were being sold at high prices, ranging between Tk1,600 and Tk2,000, at Tanore and Godagari areas in Rajshahi, instead of government-fixed rates.
Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid today (15 April) told Parliament that there is no scope for selling fertilisers at higher prices as the government is closely monitoring fertiliser management with the highest priority.
"The government is fully aware of the issue, and fertiliser management is being monitored with utmost importance. However, no complaint has been received against any BCIC dealer for selling fertilisers at higher prices," he said.
The minister said this while replying to a scripted question from opposition (Jamaat) lawmaker Md Mujibur Rahman (Rajshahi-1) in the House.
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In his question, Mujibur Rahman alleged that chemical fertilisers were being sold at high prices, ranging between Tk1,600 and Tk2,000, at Tanore and Godagari areas in Rajshahi, instead of government-fixed rates.
He also claimed that farmers were sometimes receiving less fertiliser than required.
He wanted to know whether the government was aware of such irregularities, and if there were any plans to deploy special task forces or mobile courts to monitor the situation and ensure exemplary punishment, including licence cancellation of unscrupulous dealers.
Responding to the question, the agriculture minister said fertiliser sales are being conducted in the presence of Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officers at every dealer point.
He added that government-fixed price lists are prominently displayed on red cloth or banners at visible places in each shop.
He further said that fertiliser is being sold only after verifying genuine farmers, and details, including name, address and mobile number, are recorded in cash memos.
The information is being verified in the shops by the authorities concerned, he said.
Amin Ur Rashid also said that fertiliser and seed monitoring committees are active at both district and upazila levels to oversee the overall fertiliser situation, including fertiliser supply, storage, pricing situation, and dealer activities.
District-level committees are chaired by Deputy Commissioners (DC), while Upazila-level committees are led by Upazila Nirbachi Officers (UNO).
Besides, provisions are in place to deploy special task forces and mobile courts, with support from local administration, to directly monitor field-level situations and take action if any irregularities are found, he added.
