Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid has said there is no fertilizer shortage in the country, but that some miscreants are creating one. He said certain quarters are attempting to create an artificial crisis despite adequate stock being available, and that legal action will be taken against those responsible for creating such an artificial fertilizer shortage.
He made the remarks Saturday afternoon as chief guest at a discussion with onion and jute farmers from Faridpur, held at the Sadar upazila hall room.
The agriculture minister said: “The current government is working to ensure timely distribution of fertilizer and agricultural inputs according to farmers’ needs. In addition, the soil characteristics of the Faridpur region are excellent.”
He added: “Because of this, good yields are possible here using comparatively less fertilizer than in many other areas. These are among the reasons onion and jute cultivation do so well in this region. Every possible initiative has been taken to make the country self-sufficient in onion and jute seed production in the coming days.”
The discussion with onion and jute farmers of Faridpur district, held under the Ministry of Agriculture, was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Md Mazharul Islam.
Special guests at the discussion included Deputy Foreign Minister Shama Obaid Islam, Faridpur Sadar-3 constituency MP Chowdhury Nayab Yousuf, Faridpur-4 constituency MP Shahidul Islam Babul, Faridpur-1 constituency MP Dr Md Ilias Hossain, Department of Agricultural Extension Director General Md Abdur Rahim, District Council Administrator Md Afzal Hossain Khan Palash, and officials from related departments.
Onion and jute farmers from greater Faridpur, along with government and private-sector officials and staff, were also present.