Allegations have surfaced that some dishonest traders in Manda and other upazilas of Naogaon are selling fertilizers at prices higher than those fixed by the government.
Victim farmers have complained that under the guise of a fertilizer shortage, an artificial crisis is being created to extort extra money from them.
In response to the situation, the Upazila Agriculture Officer has issued a stern warning of strict legal action against traders selling fertilizers at inflated prices.
According to a circular issued by the Fertilizer Management and Monitoring Wing of the Ministry of Agriculture on August 25, retail traders were instructed to continue purchasing fertilizers from authorized master dealers and selling them to farmers at government-fixed prices until further notice.
However, ignoring government directives, some unscrupulous traders are allegedly selling fertilizers at higher prices by falsely claiming a shortage.
On the afternoon of November 2, while visiting Chokgauri Bazar in No. 11 Kalikapur union of the upazila to gather information, reporters saw several traders close their shops and flee upon noticing their presence.
Read nextManobatar Alo Foundation Extends Helping Hand to Fire-Victimized Helpless Woman in Zanjira, ShariatpurFurthermore, allegations of selling fertilizers above government-fixed prices have also been reported from various other markets across the upazila, including Satihat, Deluabari, and Choubaria.
Riyazur Islam, a farmer from Gusaipur village in No. 9 Tentulia union of the upazila, said, "Four or five days ago, I was compelled to buy a sack of DAP fertilizer for Tk 1,700 from a shop in Deluabari Bazar."
Regarding the issue, Manda Upazila Agriculture Officer Mst. Shayla Sharmin stated, "There is no scope to sell fertilizers at prices higher than the government-fixed rates by holding farmers hostage. If anyone creates an artificial crisis and sells fertilizer at inflated prices, legal action will be taken against them. No one will be spared for such irregularities."
She further emphasized that government directives and fixed prices must be strictly followed in fertilizer sales. Market monitoring and necessary measures will be conducted to protect the interests of farmers.
Victim farmers have demanded that regular monitoring be intensified across every market in the upazila to curb the artificial fertilizer crisis and high-priced sales. They also urged authorities to verify the allegations and take prompt legal action against the accused traders.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Uzzal Kumar Sharkar, Naogaon Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
