Agriculture Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid on Wednesday told parliament that there is no scope for selling fertilisers above government-fixed prices, as authorities are closely monitoring distribution nationwide, reports UNB.
“The government is fully aware of the issue and fertiliser management is being monitored with utmost importance. However, no complaint has been received against any dealer for overpricing,” he said.
He made the remarks while responding to a question from opposition lawmaker Md Mujibur Rahman in the Jatiya Sangsad.
In his query, the lawmaker alleged that chemical fertilisers were being sold at inflated prices—between Tk 1,600 and Tk 2,000—in Tanore and Godagari areas of Rajshahi, instead of the official rates. He also claimed that farmers were sometimes receiving less fertiliser than required.
He sought to know whether the government was aware of such irregularities and if there were plans to deploy special task forces or mobile courts to ensure strict monitoring and punishment, including licence cancellation of violators.
In response, the minister said fertiliser sales are conducted in the presence of Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officers at dealer points, ensuring compliance with regulations.
He added that government-approved price lists are displayed prominently at shops, while fertiliser is sold only after verifying genuine farmers. Details such as name, address, and mobile number are recorded in cash memos and checked by authorities during inspections.
The minister also said monitoring committees are active at both district and upazila levels to oversee fertiliser supply, storage, pricing, and dealer activities.
District-level committees are chaired by Deputy Commissioners, while Upazila-level committees are led by Upazila Nirbahi Officers.
He further noted that provisions are in place to deploy special task forces and mobile courts, with support from local administration, to monitor field-level activities and take action against any irregularities.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
