Farmers seize nearly 200 bags of fertilizer in Kurigram

In the Bhurungamari Upazila of Kurigram, angry farmers broke into a fertilizer dealer's warehouse, seizing approximately 197 to 200 bags of urea fertilizer. The incident occurred in the Shilkhuri Union at the Shah Amanat Enterprise dealer point.

The unrest was driven by allegations of an artificial fertilizer shortage and price gouging. Farmers claimed that despite repeated attempts to purchase supplies, the dealer failed to provide them, while fertilizer was reportedly being sold in open markets at inflated prices—ranging from 1,800 to 1,900 BDT per bag despite a government-set price of 1,300 BDT. Some farmers also accused the dealer of diverting allocated supplies to retail traders.

Police and local leaders were present during the incident. Following police intervention, 33 farmers returned 33 bags of fertilizer, but the majority of the seized stock remains unrecovered. Local agricultural officials noted that while 1,320 bags were allocated for the union, the demand significantly exceeds the available supply, contributing to the scarcity.