No decision has been taken so far on the price of fertilizer, said the Minister of Agriculture Dr. Md. Abdur Razzak.
“The prime minister is worried about the rise in fertilizer prices. Thinking about the matter is going on. So far the government has not reached any decision,” the minister told a news conference at the agriculture ministry in the secretariat on Monday (February 14th).
“There is a huge subsidy pressure on the head of the government. The government is thinking of raising the price of fertilizer to cope with the pressure. The Prime Minister is also thinking about the farmers’ side,” minister told it.
The minister further said, “This year, there is a surplus of Tk 9,500 crore in fertilizer subsidy. But due to the increase in the price of different types of fertilizers in the international market, a subsidy of Tk 28,000 crore will be required. That’s why the finance ministry is pushing for a reduction in subsidies. “
The government now has to look at both sides. If the price of fertilizer increases, the price of food will increase further. On the other hand, if the prices do not increase, the development work will be hampered due to the pressure of subsidy, the minister said.