Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin Ur Rashid on Sunday inaugurated a newly built 6,000-tonne fertilizer warehouse at the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation campus in Gabtoli, Dhaka. The prefabricated steel warehouse was constructed under a BADC project to expand fertilizer storage capacity, according to an official press release. BADC Chairman Md Azizul Islam presided over the inauguration ceremony, which was attended by Agriculture Secretary Md Selim Khan, ministry officials, BADC representatives, and fertilizer dealers.
Speaking at the event, the agriculture minister emphasized that BADC plays a vital role in ensuring farmers receive fertilizer and other agricultural inputs at fair prices and on time. Storing fertilizer is not enough, he said, noting that ensuring its timely delivery to farmers must be the primary objective. Delays in supplying essential agricultural inputs could disrupt crop production across the country.
He directed officials to strengthen the entire supply chain, encompassing storage, transportation, and distribution, while maintaining regular monitoring of fertilizer stocks. Furthermore, he called for the digitalization of inventory management and distribution systems to enhance efficiency and transparency.
The minister announced that additional warehouses would be constructed in various regions, including the northern part of the country, in line with directives from the prime minister to increase national storage capacity. He also stressed the importance of advance planning based on the actual demand of farmers and warned against the creation of artificial shortages of agricultural inputs.
Highlighting that agricultural development remains central to national progress, the minister stated that the government is prioritizing farmers through timely fertilizer supplies, canal re-excavation, and tree-planting initiatives. He concluded by urging BADC officials and employees to execute their duties with sincerity and accountability to guarantee that farmers receive necessary seeds, fertilizer, and essential inputs without delay.
Why it matters
Expanding fertilizer storage capacity and strengthening supply chain monitoring directly impacts national agricultural productivity and farmers' access to essential inputs.