Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has expressed deep concern over the severe fertilizer 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 fertilizer crisis has severely jeopardized Aman cultivation. It has also put the production and yield of seasonal vegetables and other crops at risk," Parwar said in a statement to the press circulated Monday.
“Farmers are suffering like this due to the government's failed and shortsighted agricultural policies,” he alleged.
Accusing the incumbent 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 fertilizer for cultivation.”
He alleged that marginalized farmers are being deprived of fertilizer 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 fertilizer 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.
He said farmers have already staged demonstrations and blocked highways in Rajshahi, Lalmonirhat, and Kurigram demanding adequate fertilizer supply.
He also mentioned recent media reports regarding the looting of fertilizer 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 maximize profits.
He also said,” While fertilizer remains unavailable at authorized 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 fertilizer to keep the country's agricultural production and food security intact.