Onion farmers in Shailkupa Upazila, located in Jhenaidah district, Bangladesh, are experiencing significant challenges this season due to a severe shortage of chemical fertilizers. This shortage comes at a critical time, just when the onion crop is in need of nutrients for optimal growth. Many farmers have reported that the fertilizers they rely on are either unavailable from local dealers or are being sold at steep prices in the open market. This shortage is putting the livelihoods of these farmers at risk, as they face the threat of crop failure and financial loss.
Shariful Islam, a farmer from Dhaora village, has planted onions on five bighas of land. He expressed his deep concern, stating, “If I can’t apply fertilizer on time, I could lose all my capital.” This sentiment is shared by many other farmers, as they struggle to secure the necessary input at an affordable rate. Some farmers have been forced to buy fertilizers at prices that are Tk 300-400 higher per sack than the government-set rates, further exacerbating the financial strain.
Rising Costs and Limited Access to Fertilizer
The shortage of fertilizers has led to long queues at dealers, with some farmers, like Abul Hossain, reporting waiting in line for hours just to secure a small quantity of fertilizer. Other farmers, such as Ayub Hossain from Madandanga village, fear that if they cannot apply fertilizers at the right time, their crops will not reach full potential. “If I lose my onions, I will lose all my investment,” Hossain lamented.
The shortage has been attributed to multiple factors. One significant issue is the hoarding of fertilizers by farmers who are storing them in anticipation of future price hikes. According to Shailkupa Upazila Agriculture Officer Arifuzzaman, this has limited the availability of fertilizers for other farmers. The high demand for fertilizers has also been compounded by dealers setting up shops in municipal areas rather than their designated locations, resulting in higher prices than what is legally sanctioned.
Government and Dealer Responses
While the government has attempted to address the issue by assuring farmers that additional fertilizers will be distributed, the situation remains challenging. The target area for onion cultivation in Shailkupa this season is 12,000 hectares, with a demand for approximately 8,000 metric tons of fertilizers, including urea, TSP, and DOP. Unfortunately, the current supply is insufficient to meet these needs.
Farmers are growing increasingly frustrated, as they feel they are caught between rising prices, limited access, and an uncertain future for their crops. Some, like Ismail, have even threatened not to plant onions next year if they lose their current investment.
The fertilizer shortage in Shailkupa Upazila is a critical issue that threatens the livelihood of local farmers, particularly those growing onions, which are a valuable crop for the region. With rising costs and limited availability, many farmers are facing an uncertain future, and their ability to maintain crop yields is at risk. While government efforts to address the shortage are underway, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure the availability of fertilizers at fair prices, especially during peak seasons.
