Bangladesh farmers face fertilizer shortages as import concerns grow

Reserves of several key fertilizers in Bangladesh have fallen below safety thresholds, raising concerns about supplies ahead of the next cropping season amid import uncertainty and China’s export restrictions.

Agriculture ministry data show diammonium phosphate stocks at 390,000 tonnes, below the 500,000-tonne safety level. Triple super phosphate reserves stand at 353,000 tonnes against a 400,000-tonne threshold, while muriate of potash stocks are 196,000 tonnes, below the required 300,000 tonnes.

Farmers in Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Nilphamari and Rajshahi have reported difficulty obtaining fertilizer during the Aman season, with some paying above government-set prices.

Urea reserves remain above the 500,000-tonne safety level at 585,000 tonnes, although import disruptions remain a concern.

Agriculture Minister Mohammed Amin Ur Rashid said the government had arranged alternative supplies.

“There is no reason for panic,” he said to the Daily Star.