Bangladesh receives 30,000 tons of fertilizer from Russia via WFP

Dhaka: Bangladesh has been handed 30,000 metric tons of potash fertilizer from the Russian Federation under the auspices of the World Food Programme (WFP).

The official handover ceremony took place on Monday, January 19, at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) auditorium.

Lieutenant General (retd) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, Adviser for Agriculture and Home Affairs, attended the program as the chief guest. Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexander G. Khozin joined as the special guest, while Agriculture Secretary Dr. Md. Emdad Ullah Mian chaired the event.

The consignment—30,000 metric tonnes of Muriate of Potash (MOP)—was donated by Uralchem, a leading fertilizer producer based in Russia.

Addressing the gathering, the agriculture adviser said the global food and fertilizer supply chain is facing serious challenges due to climate change, market volatility, and ongoing international crises.

He emphasized that cooperation among nations has become crucial in such circumstances, describing the initiative as a strong example of positive and effective global partnership.

The adviser further mentioned that the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) currently holds 1.035 million metric tons of fertilizer stock, excluding urea—the highest level recorded since the organization was established in 1961.

Referring to recent achievements in the agriculture sector, he said notable progress has been made under the current interim government. In FY2024–25, rice production rose by 6% compared to the previous three years, while potato output increased by 14%, onion production by 22%, vegetable production by 3.7%, and mustard production surged by an impressive 86%.