Krishak Shakti warns new fertilizer policy could create dealer syndicates

National Krishak Shakti has warned that changes to Bangladesh’s fertilizer distribution system could create powerful dealer syndicates, calling on the government to retain sub-dealers and retailers while ensuring farmers receive fertilizer at official prices.

In a joint statement, the organization’s Convener Sayeed Ujjal and Member Secretary Golam Murtuza Selim raised concerns over implementation of the revised “Integrated Policy on Fertilizer Dealer Appointment and Fertilizer Distribution-2025.”

The group welcomed provisions barring multiple dealerships within the same family and reorganizing dealer units in unions and municipalities, but rejected the abolition of sub-dealers and retailers.

It warned that concentrating distribution among a small number of dealers could reduce competition, enable artificial shortages and leave farmers vulnerable to inflated prices.

Krishak Shakti said dealer appointments should be based on qualifications and transparent competition rather than political influence, party recommendations, nepotism or financial power.

The organization also expressed concern over fertilizer shortages reported in different parts of the country and called for supplies to be allocated according to crop demand at ward level.

It urged the government to fully digitalize fertilizer distribution using smart agriculture card data, allowing stocks, supplies and purchases from individual dealers to be tracked.

The group called for strict penalties and cancellation of dealerships for overcharging, stockpiling or creating artificial shortages.

It cited allegations that DAP fertilizer, officially priced at 1,050 taka, was being sold for between 1,700 taka and 2,200 taka in some areas and demanded an investigation.

Krishak Shakti also warned that disruption caused by redistribution of dealerships could affect fertilizer supplies during the Aman season and asked the government to publish a clear plan to prevent shortages.

It urged authorities to give qualified existing fertilizer retailers priority as authorized sales representatives and provide low-interest loans, training and rehabilitation to those displaced by the new system.

The group also called for incentives to increase organic fertilizer use and urged the government to maintain agricultural subsidies despite what it described as pressure from domestic and international quarters to reduce them.

“Fertilizer is not an asset of political patronage or business syndicates; it is an essential input for farmers,” the statement said.

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