Key Highlights
- Farmers in Dinajpur face fertilizer prices higher than government rates
- Dealers accused of refusing vouchers and inflating market prices
- Potato seed costs dropped sharply this year, easing some expenses
- Authorities say they will act if overpricing is proven
The early potato farming season has started in Dinajpur, with fields now filled with varieties like Bina-7, Sunshine and Stariz. While good weather has helped farmers sow and tend to their land, a syndicate controlling fertilizer prices is causing distress. Many growers say they are being forced to pay far more than the government’s fixed rates, leaving them with extra costs at crucial time.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), about 11,000 hectares in Dinajpur are under early potato cultivation this year. Farmers were initially relieved when potato seed prices fell drastically. Unlike previous years, when seed prices were often much higher than official rates, this year’s seeds are available for as low as Tk15–16 per kilogram. This drop in seed costs has reduced some of the farming burden.
But that relief is being overshadowed by rising fertilizer prices. Farmers say dealers are charging more than the government’s fixed rates, making it difficult to manage their expenses. Officially, government set prices for key fertilizers as follows:
- TSP at Tk1,250, but sold at Tk1,350
- DAP at Tk950, but sold at Tk1,050
- MOP at Tk900, but sold at Tk1,000
- Urea at Tk1,250, but sold at Tk1,350
The problem is worse with imported fertilizers. Tunisian TSP is being sold at Tk2,000 per bag, local TSP at Tk2,400, Moroccan DAP at Tk1,700–1,800, local DAP at Tk2,000 and Canadian MOP at Tk1,200.
Farmers complain that even after paying these inflated amounts, they are not given purchase vouchers. Dealers reportedly claim that stock is low, which forces farmers to buy without receipts. Without a voucher, growers have no legal proof of purchase, leaving them vulnerable to further exploitation.
Jewel Islam, a farmer from Ghughudanga village in Sadar upazila, shared his frustration. He said dealers are openly ignoring the fixed prices and refusing to issue vouchers when asked. “We have no choice but to buy at higher prices,” he said.
While fertilizer prices rise, labor costs have stayed the same as last year, offering a small relief. Farmers are hopeful that within 50-55 days, they will be able to harvest. If all goes well, they expect yields of 140-150 maunds per acre.
Early planting is common in Dinajpur as it allows farmers to sell their crops before the main harvest season, often fetching better prices in the market.
Despite repeated efforts, no fertilizer dealer agreed to speak publicly. A former leader of the BADC Seed and Fertilizer Dealers Association admitted that the fall in potato seed prices was genuine but confirmed that a syndicate is inflating fertilizer costs.
“Even if someone wants to act independently, it’s not possible under the current system,” he said.
Government officials have responded cautiously. Attempts to contact Md Jahangir Alam, joint director (Fertilizer), went unanswered. But Md Afzal Hossain, deputy director of the Dinajpur DAE, said the department would take steps if reports of overpricing are proven true. “Our monitoring teams are actively inspecting the field,” he noted.
Farmers, however, are skeptical. They say investigations have been promised in the past, but the syndicates remain in control. They question why they should carry the burden of higher costs when the government has already set official fertilizer prices.
Dinajpur farmers are heading into the early potato season with mixed feelings. The drop in seed prices has helped, but inflated fertilizer costs are draining their limited resources. With no receipts to prove purchases and dealers refusing to follow government rules, many fear their profits will be wiped out before harvest even begins.
Farmers are calling for swift action to break the grip of fertilizer syndicates and protect their livelihoods.
Source: Dhaka Tribune
Image credit: Dhaka Tribune
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