Farmers in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat blocked a national highway on Tuesday morning (27 October) to demand fertiliser. The protest at Parulia Bazar in Patikapara union stopped traffic on the Lalmonirhat-Patgram-Burimari highway.
The protesting farmers alleged that the area's fertiliser dealer sells fertiliser on the black market and hands it out by favouritism, so ordinary farmers cannot get what they need. After trying again and again without success, they said, they took to the highway.
The timing matters for the fields. One farmer at the blockade said their land is now under paddy, and the season for planting potato, maize and other crops is starting. When they go to the dealer, he said, they are told the fertiliser is coming and to be patient, but it never comes.
The farmers demanded an end to irregularities in distribution and fertiliser for genuine farmers at the fair price. They also asked for an inquiry into the black-market sales and action against those responsible.
Hatibandha's Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Dip John Mitra, went to the spot. He said the protesters had been told there is no fertiliser shortage and that genuine farmers will get it; if specific complaints are made against a dealer, they will be investigated and action taken. Farmers' cards have been collected so that they can be given fertiliser, he said. The farmers then lifted the blockade.
Demand for fertiliser rises at the start of the rabi season as land is prepared for potato and maize. A farmer who cannot get it from the dealer risks a late sowing, which is why the farmers pressed for supply now.
Reported by Prothom Alo's Lalmonirhat correspondent.
Photo: fertiliser and seed distribution (file), Press Information Department / Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
Source: Prothom Alo
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