Global agricultural fertilizer trade and supply issues

Authorities and citizens in Kenya, India, and Bangladesh have engaged in various actions to address the illegal trade and scarcity of agricultural fertilizers.

In Kenya, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations conducted a raid in Uasin Gishu County, seizing approximately 3,500 bags of suspected counterfeit urea and DAP fertilizers. Three suspects were arrested as part of an effort to protect the government’s subsidized fertilizer program. Simultaneously, in Kerala, India, police seized 1,360 bags of subsidized urea from a polymer factory following reports that the fertilizer was being diverted for non-agricultural use.

In Bangladesh, tensions escalated in the Kurigram district when farmers forcibly entered a dealer's warehouse to seize nearly 200 bags of urea. The unrest was fueled by allegations of price gouging and an artificial shortage, with farmers reporting that supplies were being sold in open markets at prices significantly higher than the government-set rate. While police intervened and some stock was returned, local officials noted that demand continues to exceed available supply.