Jamaat blames govt's 'failed' policy for fertiliser crisis

Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar has expressed deep concern over the severe fertiliser crisis across the country, warning that it has put the cultivation of Aman rice at extreme risk. "We are observing with deep concern that the fertiliser crisis has severely jeopardised Aman cultivation. It has also put the production and yield of seasonal vegetables and other crops at risk," Parwar said in a statement yesterday (7 September). "Farmers are suffering like this due to the government's failed and shortsighted agricultural policies," he alleged. Accusing the government of failing to implement sustainable agricultural policies, he said, "We strongly condemn and protest against this harassment of farmers and the government's failure to ensure an adequate supply of fertiliser for cultivation." He alleged that marginalised farmers are being deprived of fertiliser according to their requirements due to the government's mismanagement. Citing media reports, the Jamaat leader claimed, "Ruling party-backed dealers and activists are scheming to sell fertiliser at excessive prices. "This has placed the burden of additional production costs on the shoulders of the farmers, which is not helpful to ensuring the country's food security and stability." He said farmers have already staged demonstrations and blocked highways in Rajshahi, Lalmonirhat, and Kurigram demanding adequate fertiliser supply. He also mentioned recent media reports regarding the looting of fertiliser from warehouses and the confinement of field workers of the agriculture department. "These incidents are highly alarming and reflect the severity of the crisis. If immediate steps are not taken to resolve the issue and protect the farmers' interests, the situation may become even more complex, and the government will not be able to avoid its responsibility," he added. Parwar further accused ruling party syndicates of creating an artificial crisis in various areas to maximise profits. He also said, "While fertiliser remains unavailable at authorised dealer points, it is being sold openly in the market at excessively high prices." He urged the government to take swift and effective measures to break the syndicates at all levels, put an end to the harassment of farmers, and ensure an uninterrupted supply of fertiliser to keep the country's agricultural production and food security intact.