The Bangladesh Krishak Samity, a farmers' association, held a rally and procession in Gaibandha on Wednesday, 23 September, demanding a secure supply of fertiliser, lower fertiliser prices, an end to the harassment of farmers and the withdrawal of the recent rise in fuel prices. The rally was held in front of the town's Ganasas Market.

District Krishak Samity president Chhadekul Islam presided and general secretary Jahangir Alam moderated. Speakers included Communist Party central leader Mihir Ghosh, Krishak Samity central adviser Subhash Shah Roy, district convener of the Krishak-Khetmajur Sangram Parishad Rebati Barman, district organising secretary Abdullah Adil Nannu, Sadar upazila president Jahangir Alam Mondal and district committee member Abdul Jalil.

Speakers said farmers were suffering badly from the fertiliser shortage: many stand in queues for hours and still do not get the fertiliser they need.

They alleged that some dealers had formed a syndicate, distributing fertiliser irregularly and harassing farmers, so that growers could not apply fertiliser to their fields on time and were facing losses.

Protesting against the fuel price rise, they said dearer fuel raises the cost of farm production, a burden that ultimately falls on farmers and ordinary consumers, and demanded that the increase be withdrawn.

After the rally, Krishak Samity members marched along the town's main road to Rail Gate No. 1, where the procession ended.

Supply gaps and alleged irregularities at dealer level when fields need fertiliser put both costs and yields at risk for farmers. The report is by The Daily Observer's correspondent.

Source: The Daily Observer