Farmers block Lalmonirhat highway to protest soaring fertilizer prices
Photo Collected
Farmers in Kaliganj, Lalmonirhat, blocked the Lalmonirhat-Patgram-Burimari national highway on Monday to protest the unavailability of fertilizers at government-mandated prices. The demonstration, which began at approximately 11:30 a.m. in the Kaliganj Bazar area, halted traffic for two hours and caused congestion stretching over one kilometer.
The blockade left numerous vehicles, including trucks transporting stone and other essential goods, stranded, causing significant distress to passengers and drivers. The protest was called off at 1:30 p.m. following assurances from local administration officials.
Demonstrators claimed that fertilizer shortages have intensified during the ongoing Aman cultivation season, with retailers charging prices well above the government-fixed rates. According to the farmers, Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) fertilizer is being sold for 2,200 taka per sack, despite the official retail price of 1,350 taka. Similarly, Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) is reportedly selling for 1,700 to 1,800 taka, far exceeding the 1,050 taka mandated price, while urea is priced at 1,800 taka instead of the regulated 1,350 taka per sack.
Farmers expressed concern that these inflated input costs are driving up production expenses and threatening the success of the Aman harvest. They warned that if adequate supplies are not made available at authorized prices, agricultural output in the region could face severe disruption.
Kaliganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Saiful Islam and local police arrived at the scene to address the protesters. The UNO pledged that the administration would take steps to ensure fertilizer is distributed according to the needs of genuine farmers within the next two to three days. Furthermore, he warned that any attempts to create artificial shortages or sell fertilizers above the government-mandated rates would result in strict legal action against the businesses involved.
While the protesters cleared the road following the official intervention, they cautioned that they would be forced to resume demonstrations if the government fails to ensure a steady supply of fertilizers at the official price.
0%
0%
0%
0%
