Govt plans to save Tk3,000cr on fertiliser subsidies: Agri secretary
Potato prices would hopefully decrease within the next week, says Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian
The interim government has decided to introduce reforms and enhance transparency in the fertiliser subsidy programme, aiming to save approximately Tk3,000 crore in the current fiscal year, said Agriculture Secretary Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian today (19 November).
He made the remarks during a meeting with the executive committee of the Bangladesh Agricultural Journalists Forum (BAJF) at his ministry office in Dhaka.
"The interim government is initiating work on fertiliser subsidies. These ongoing initiatives could save Tk2,500-3,000 crore by streamlining subsidy distribution," Emdad Ullah said.
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He further stated that there is currently an adequate supply of fertilisers in the country.
"The current stock is sufficient to avoid any shortage until next January. Sufficient fertilisers in the pipeline have started arriving. I expect there will be no shortage of fertilisers during the Boro season," he added, noting that the supplies in the pipeline will provide support until April.
Additionally, Emdad Ullah mentioned that efforts are underway to prevent fertiliser shortages over the next two years, supported by a significant plan to improve fertiliser transportation and storage.
"We are working to eliminate fertiliser wastage completely," he said.
Notably, the government spent approximately Tk27,000 crore on fertiliser subsidies in the 2023-24 fiscal year.
In addition to fertiliser, the secretary addressed concerns about potato prices, predicting a decrease within the next seven days.
Farmers should not worry about the availability of fertiliser for potato cultivation, he said.
Measures are also in place to ensure a steady supply of potato seeds and fertiliser, with directives issued to Deputy Commissioners for necessary actions.
The government's proactive approach aims to stabilise the agriculture sector and ensure uninterrupted supply chains for essential inputs like fertilisers and seeds.
The meeting was attended by Md Mahmudur Rahman, additional secretary of the ministry's PPC Wing, Golam Iftekhar Mahmud, president of BAJF, and other officials.
