The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The government yesterday admitted 'crisis' and mismanagement in the distribution system of fertiliser that forced farmers to go for protest across the country.

"There is no logical reason of crisis as supply of fertiliser is sufficient… but there are some crisis … yes, there is mismanagement in the distribution system to the farmers end," Agriculture Adviser CS Karim admitted at a crowded press conference facing a volley of questions at PID conference room.

However, Industries Secretary Nurul Amin was in argue with the journalists over the definition of 'crisis' of fertiliser despite reports from across the country states that farmers are 'crying' for fertilizer to produce boro crop.

CS Karim said the government has taken adequate steps so that farmers can get fertiliser easily. "We are closely monitoring the supply of fertiliser and taking immediate steps if there is any news of crisis."

He said there was news of fertiliser crisis in the 16 districts and 23 'trouble corner' was detected. "We took immediate steps to overcome the situation."

The Adviser informed newsmen that out of the total demand of the 28.18 lakh metric ton (MT) of urea fertiliser 15 lakh MT will come from local production, 4.50 lakh MT will be bought from KAFCO and the rest would be met by importing from different countries.

CS Karim said at present, there is a stock of 400,000 MT of urea compared to 200,000 tons in the corresponding period last year.

He, however, said the government is giving highest subsidy in fertiliser. "I have no idea if any country gives such high subsidy."

The government is giving Tk 2,400 subsidy for per ton of locally produced urea while for the importing one it is Tk 25,700.

At the press conference CS Karim openly contradicted the Industries Secretary's call to the journalists to create mass awareness about the need to increase the price of urea fertiliser.

"You should play a major role in creating public awareness about the urgent need of enhancing the fertilizer price," said Industries Secretary Nurul Amin.

But instantly the Agriculture Adviser contradicted the Industries Secretary. "It's his personal remark as member of the secretaries committee tasked to review the fertiliser price… This is not the government's position," the Adviser said, adding the government has no such decision to raise the fertiliser price.

He also briefed the journalists about the steps so far taken by the government to reach fertiliser to the local level farmers.