Rangpur: Farmers in northern Bangladesh are grappling with a shortage of triple super phosphate (TSP) fertiliser during the critical Aman rice season, with many unable to obtain the fertiliser even at prices above the government-fixed rate. While urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP) are generally available, TSP supplies remain insufficient across several regions, causing concern about crop yields.
According to United News of Bangladesh, this shortage is impacting farmers across the five districts of the Rangpur region-Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha, and Nilphamari-at a time when they are actively transplanting Aman seedlings. Farmers like Nazrul Islam from Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila, who requires 100 kg of TSP for his eight bighas of transplanted Aman, have only managed to collect 45 kg after visiting multiple shops. Despite paying more than the official price, farmers are struggling to meet their fertiliser needs.
Farmers residing in remote areas, such as chars and riverbanks, face additional challenges as they have to travel long distances to access fertiliser. Bablu Mia from Char Shailmari in Kaliganj upazila reported receiving less than 20 percent of the TSP required for his 12 bighas of Aman cultivation. Even when willing to pay higher prices, the scarcity persists.
Julhas Hossain, a fertiliser dealer from Kurigram, highlighted a significant mismatch between demand and supply, receiving only 500 kg weekly against a demand of 10,000 kg. This situation is compounded by reports of urea and DAP being sold at inflated prices in some areas.
The Department of Agricultural Extension has set ambitious targets for Aman cultivation in the region, with plans to cover 621,550 hectares this year, up slightly from last year. However, officials attribute the increased demand for TSP to excessive use by farmers rather than actual need. Dr Sirajul Islam from the Department of Agricultural Extension stated that farmers are applying five to six times more TSP than recommended, which could harm the soil.
Despite claims of sufficient fertiliser stock until October, Shahidul Islam from the Rangpur regional BADC (Fertiliser) suggested that any shortage or price hike might be due to dealers creating artificial scarcity. The agricultural department and local administration are actively monitoring the situation to prevent profiteering and ensure fair distribution of fertilisers.