Newly constructed 6,000-MT fertilizer warehouse at Gabtoli inaugurated
Staff Correspondent
Agriculture and Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Aminur Rashid has stressed the need to ensure the timely delivery of fertilizers to farmers, saying that merely storing fertilizer in warehouses is not enough unless it reaches farmers when they need it.
“Fertilizer must reach farmers on time. Otherwise, agricultural production across the country may be disrupted,” he said while inaugurating a newly constructed 6,000-metric-tonne-capacity prefabricated steel fertilizer warehouse at the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) campus in Gabtoli, Dhaka, on Sunday.
The warehouse has been constructed under the Fertilizer Warehouse Project initiated by BADC. The inauguration ceremony was chaired by BADC Chairman Md. Azizul Islam.
Speaking as the chief guest, the minister said BADC is an important institution under the Ministry of Agriculture and plays a significant role in the development and effective management of the country's agricultural sector.
Through BADC's activities, farmers are able to obtain fertilizers and other agricultural inputs at fair prices and on time, he added.
The minister emphasized the need for regular monitoring of stored fertilizers and the introduction of digital systems in fertilizer storage, transportation and distribution.
He said comprehensive measures must be taken to ensure efficiency at every stage, from fertilizer storage to its delivery to farmers.
Referring to the government's future plans, Aminur Rashid said new fertilizer warehouses would be constructed in different parts of the country, particularly in the northern region, in line with the Prime Minister's directives. The initiative would help increase the country's overall fertilizer storage capacity.
He also stressed the importance of preparing advance distribution plans based on accurate assessments of farmers' actual requirements to prevent any artificial shortage of agricultural inputs.
The minister said agricultural development is essential for the country's overall progress. Giving the highest priority to farmers, the government has undertaken various initiatives, including ensuring the timely supply of fertilizers, re-excavating canals and water channels, and expanding tree plantation programmes.
Calling upon BADC officials and employees to perform their duties with dedication and accountability, he urged them to ensure the timely delivery of fertilizers, seeds and other agricultural inputs to farmers.
He also asked them to work for public welfare in line with the commitments made in the government's election manifesto.
Agriculture Secretary Md. Selim Khan, BADC Chairman Md. Azizul Islam, representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and other organizations, BADC officials at different levels, and fertilizer dealers attended the inauguration ceremony.
