Market and product

The government for the third time in its tenure hasdecided to cut down the prices of non-urea fertilisers -- muriate of potash(MoP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) -- by 40 and three percent respectively,as an incentive to farmers to grow more winter crops.

At the farmers' level, MoP will be sold at Tk 15 akilogram, which now sells at Tk 25, while DAP will be sold at Tk 27 a kg, whichnow costs Tk 30, said a press release of the Ministry of Agriculture.

At dealers' level new price of MoP will be Tk 13 a kg andDAP Tk 25 a kg. The government will issue a circular soon in this regard tomake the new prices effective.

"We want the farmers feel encouraged to produce morewinter crops, especially potato and reduce their dependency on urea only. It isimportant to ensure balanced use of fertiliser, which would also help sustainsoil fertility," the release said.

Prices of all non-urea fertilisers were almost halved onJanuary 14, 2009 and later on November 3 last year the government again slashedthe prices.

The government will subsidise Tk 2200 crore for thesefertilisers this fiscal year, said an official at the agriculture ministry.

The country requires four lakh tonnes of MoP and 3.5 lakhtonnes of DAP for this fiscal year, he added.

(Source:www.thedailystar.net)