Farmers are no longer facing difficulties in accessing fuel during the ongoing agricultural season, as the government has taken special measures to ensure uninterrupted supply, Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammad Amin ur Rashid said on Sunday.
Speaking at a press conference at the Secretariat, the minister said that although the global energy crisis has affected many countries, steps have been taken to shield Bangladesh’s agriculture sector from its adverse impacts.
“As part of these efforts, effective initiatives have been implemented at the field level. As a result, farmers are no longer facing problems with fuel,” he said.
Responding to a question about fuel availability for irrigation, he acknowledged that the energy crisis remains a global issue, which has increased the demand for diesel used in shallow tube wells, tractors and harvesting machines.
Previously, tube well owners faced significant challenges in collecting fuel, as they could not bring their equipment directly to fuel stations, raising concerns about disruptions to farming activities.
The minister said a new system has recently been introduced to address the issue. Under the arrangement, a coordinated mechanism involving field-level agriculture officials has been established, allowing farmers and tube well owners to obtain approved fuel permits and purchase diesel directly from pumps based on their requirements.
He added that in areas where paddy harvesting has already been completed, demand for tractor fuel has also risen due to the quick transition to the next cultivation cycle. Authorities are taking this into account to ensure adequate supply.
Agriculture Secretary Rafiqul E Mohamede and Fisheries and Livestock Secretary Md Delwar Hossain were also present at the briefing.
The minister said the new system has helped ensure smooth agricultural operations, with farmers now able to continue their work without disruption from fuel shortages.