Farmers of Natore Block Road for Fertilizer

Farmers Block Road in Naldanga Demanding Fertilizer

On Sunday, farmers in Naldanga upazila of Natore district took to the streets to block a road, demanding the immediate supply of fertilizer ahead of the boro season. The protest was sparked by the lack of availability of essential agricultural inputs, which is critical for ensuring a successful harvest.

Around 10 am, a group of farmers visited the shop of Shyam Sundar Agarwal, a local fertilizer dealer located at the Naldanga intersection, hoping to collect their share of the fertilizer. However, they were met with disappointment as the store did not have the necessary supplies. This led to frustration among the farmers, who then decided to stage a demonstration in front of the upazila Agriculture Office.

The protest quickly escalated, with farmers blocking roads at the upazila headquarters point. They also demanded the removal of the Upazila Agriculture Officer, Kishoar Hossain, citing his failure to ensure the timely distribution of fertilizers.

Response from Local Authorities

Upon receiving information about the protest, Naldanga Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), AL Emran Khan, rushed to the scene to address the concerns of the farmers. He assured them that steps would be taken to resolve the issue and ensure that the farmers received the necessary support.

By around 11:30 am, the farmers decided to withdraw their road blockade, following the UNO’s assurance. However, the underlying issue of fertilizer scarcity remained unresolved.

According to the UNO, while fertilizer has reached the dealer points, an investigation is currently underway to determine why farmers are still unable to access it. The situation highlights the challenges faced by the agricultural community in securing timely supplies of essential inputs.

Dealer's Perspective

Shyam Sundar Agarwal’s manager, Bokul Das, explained that the dealer has not been able to collect the full allotment of fertilizer. He attributed this to the high demand from farmers, many of whom are trying to collect fertilizer for both the ongoing Rabi season and the upcoming Boro season simultaneously. This dual demand has created additional pressure on the supply chain.

Das emphasized that all fertilizer will be sold to farmers according to the allotted supply, ensuring fair distribution. However, the current situation underscores the need for better coordination between dealers, authorities, and farmers to prevent such disruptions in the future.

Challenges in Fertilizer Distribution

The incident in Naldanga reflects a broader issue in the agricultural sector, where delays in fertilizer distribution can have significant consequences for crop production. Farmers rely heavily on timely access to fertilizers to maintain soil fertility and maximize yields. Any disruption in this supply chain can lead to reduced productivity and financial losses.

The situation also highlights the importance of effective communication between different stakeholders. Farmers must be kept informed about the status of their fertilizer allocations, while dealers and officials need to work together to address any bottlenecks in the distribution process.

Looking Ahead

As the boro season approaches, it is crucial that all parties involved take proactive measures to ensure that farmers receive the necessary resources. This includes improving logistics, enhancing monitoring systems, and providing clear channels for farmers to voice their concerns.

The experience in Naldanga serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required to sustain agricultural productivity. With proper planning and collaboration, it is possible to mitigate such issues and support the farming community effectively.