Govt in dilemma over fertiliser price, subsidy: Agriculture Minister

The government is in a dilemma over hiking the price of fertiliser following the pressure of huge subsidy, Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque said today.   

"No decision was taken yet to increase fertiliser price. The Prime Minister is concerned over the issue," the minister said at a press conference organised by the agriculture ministry.

He said Tk 9,500 crore has been allotted for the subsidy of fertiliser. But the amount needed for subsidy stood at Tk 28,000 crore due to increasing fertiliser price in the international market, the minister said. 

The finance ministry is asking to reduce the amount of subsidy, he added.

"If the price of fertiliser is increased, food prices will go up. On the other hand, if the amount of subsidy is not reduced, there will be a fund crisis for development activities. And that's the cause of dilemma," the minister said.