Farmers Block Lalmonirhat-Burimari Highway Demanding Fertiliser, Traffic Disrupted for an Hour in Hatibandha

Farmers blocked the Lalmonirhat-Burimari highway and demonstrated demanding fertiliser. The blockade took place on Tuesday morning (27 October) at the Parulia Bazar area of Patikapara Union in Hatibandha upazila of Lalmonirhat. Traffic on the road was disrupted for about an hour because of the protest.

The farmers allege that the fertiliser dealer Messrs Munna Traders is based in Bogura, but distributes fertiliser through Jadu Member and Bhuttu. The farmers say there have long been allegations of black-market fertiliser sales against the two men.

According to the protesters, the two have formed a syndicate and sell 10 to 12 sacks of fertiliser outside the district late at night. Ordinary farmers, meanwhile, cannot get the fertiliser they need even after going back day after day. Angered by this, the farmers blocked the highway.

Ekramul, a farmer from Ward No. 1, said: 'If we do not get fertiliser at the time we need it, how will farmers and their families survive? If necessary, I am willing to buy fertiliser on the open market paying 100 to 200 taka extra, as long as I can farm properly. After going back for many days without getting fertiliser, we were forced to take to the highway in protest.'

Mominur Islam, a farmer from the char area of Ward No. 8, said: 'We want fertiliser distribution through dealers stopped and fertiliser supplied on the open market. Irregularities in distribution must end and supply at a fair price to real farmers must be ensured. I also demand an investigation into the black-market allegations and necessary action against those responsible.'

Local farmer Azizul Islam said maize cannot be cultivated in the early season without fertiliser on time. Without fertiliser, land cannot be cultivated properly; if fertiliser is not applied on time, the crop turns red and the yield suffers. He said their households run all year on income from maize cultivation, and families depend on this crop for their livelihood.

Hatibandha Upazila Agriculture Officer Harun-or-Rashid said there is sufficient stock for fertiliser distribution, though completing the distribution will take some time. If needed, fertiliser from next month's allocation can be brought in. Distribution is currently under way in six wards and will be completed within the next two days. He also said there is no scope for black-market fertiliser sales.

Hatibandha Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Dipon Mitra said: 'We have requested our farmer brothers to be patient. We have a sufficient quantity of fertiliser. Every farmer brother who has a fertiliser card will get fertiliser. There is no reason to worry about this.'