Control Room Launched to Oversee Fertilizer Supply and Distribution

The Ministry of Agriculture has launched a 'Fertilizer Management Control Room' to closely monitor the country's fertilizer supply, stock, transportation, and distribution activities. Measures have been initiated to take swift action upon receiving information regarding any irregularities, artificial shortages, illegal stockpiling, or sales at inflated prices at the field level.

This information was conveyed through an office order signed by Md. Maksudul Islam, Deputy Secretary of the Administration-1 Branch of the Ministry of Agriculture.

According to the order, the control room will operate from Room No. 528 of the Ministry of Agriculture until further notice. Twenty-seven teams have been formed for this operation; each team will consist of an officer, an administrative officer, and an office assistant.

The control room will operate in two shifts from September 11 to September 24: the first shift from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and the second shift from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The Additional Secretary (Fertilizer Management and Inputs) will be responsible for the overall supervision of the control room.

Collection of Fertilizer Supply and Stock Data

Through the control room, data regarding fertilizer supply, stock, transportation, and distribution from various districts and upazilas across the country will be regularly collected and maintained.

Relevant authorities will be immediately informed if information is received regarding irregularities in transportation, artificial shortages, illegal stockpiling, black-market activities, or sales at excessive prices.

If there is a risk of a fertilizer shortage in any district or upazila, the control room will identify the issue on a priority basis and make necessary recommendations.
Swift Action Upon Receiving Complaints

Instructions have been issued to receive complaints from farmers, fertilizer dealers, transporters, and other stakeholders and to take necessary actions.

In emergency situations, the control room will take measures in coordination with the district administration, the Department of Agriculture, fertilizer dealers, and other relevant organizations.

Additionally, information regarding disruptions in supply, transportation issues, warehousing complications, or irregularities at the dealer level will be promptly communicated to the concerned parties.

Verification of Information from Mass Media and Social Media

The control room will also monitor news, complaints, and important information related to fertilizer published in newspapers, on television, in online media, and on social media platforms. After verifying this information, officials at the relevant district, upazila, and union levels will be contacted as necessary.

Preparation of Daily and Weekly Reports

Details regarding the daily fertilizer situation, received complaints, actions taken, and significant events must be recorded in a register. Based on this information, daily and weekly reports will be prepared and submitted to the designated authorities.

Instructions have also been issued to properly receive and document information and complaints regarding fertilizer received via telephone, mobile phone, e-mail, and WhatsApp.

In accordance with the directive from the Ministry of Agriculture, the contact number for the Fertilizer Management Control Room is 050351.