Kamal Kumar Biswas.TOD.Balurghat
Anger over fertilizer prices and alleged disparities in supply costs brought hundreds of fertilizer retailers onto the streets of South Dinajpur on Friday, as members of the South Dinajpur District Retail Fertilizer and Input Dealers’ Association submitted a 16-point memorandum to the district agriculture department.
Around 350 to 500 retailers joined a procession carrying placards before arriving at the district agriculture office. Police had been deployed in advance at the Agriculture Bhavan as the protest drew a large gathering of traders.
The retailers alleged that distributors were charging them more than the prices at which fertilizer is supposed to be supplied, making it difficult for them to sell the products to farmers at officially prescribed rates. They said the resulting price gap was leaving retailers to face growing dissatisfaction from farmers.
The association called for an investigation into the reasons behind the alleged disparity, including whether malpractice or other irregularities in the distribution chain were contributing to the problem. It also demanded prompt action if any wrongdoing is found.Among the association’s 16 demands is a request that fertilizer be supplied to retailers with a 10 percent profit margin, which they argue would allow them to maintain supplies while selling to farmers at reasonable and prescribed prices.
The protest reflects mounting tension over the fertilizer distribution system, with retailers saying they are caught between higher procurement costs and expectations that they adhere to regulated prices.Association members warned that they could resort to tougher measures, including shutting down their businesses, if their demands are not addressed. They said further agitation would follow unless the authorities take steps to resolve the pricing and supply issues.
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