Arrangements for affordable sale of fertilizers, pesticides before season

The Urea Fertilizer Purchasing and Distribution Steering Committee said they plan to distribute and sell fertilizers and pesticides at low prices before the season.
To solve farmers’ problems and increase agricultural crop yield, the committee organizes the distribution and sale of fertilizers and pesticides at low prices that meet the standards farmers require in their farming activities before the season.
Weaknesses include companies signing contracts when international prices are high, not being able to buy as much as they need when prices are low, and companies wanting to import inputs. The relevant departments have to screen for many import licenses and lack competition.
U Hla Moe, chairman of the committee and Union Minister of the Ministry of Cooperatives and Rural Development spoke at the coordination meeting of the steering committee for the purchase and distribution of urea fertilizer held on 24 January. For the financial year 2024-2025, officials encouraged farmers to send seasonal and monthly demand lists, as they will set the import plan and supervise the timely availability of inputs, quality and low prices.
The Department of Agriculture inspects quality assurance under the law. Still, officials of the steering committee need to carry out spot checks in Yangon docks and distribution areas to ensure that the weight is met and the quality is correct, following the committee’s duties.
From 1 to 31 December 2023, about 150,000 tonnes of fertilizer valued at US52.093 million were imported from maritime trade, and more than 100 tonnes of fertilizer worth US0.066 million were imported from the border trade route. — TWA/KZL