Bangladesh’s agricultural heartbeat has just received a much-needed boost with the revival of the Jamuna Fertilizer Factory in Jamalpur. After a 13-month hiatus caused by a critical gas supply shortfall, the restart of production on February 13 marks a decisive turning point for both the factory and the nation’s farming community.
Established in 1991, the Jamuna Fertilizer Factory quickly became a cornerstone in distributing high-quality granular urea to farmers across 162 upazilas. Once capable of producing 1,700 tons of fertilizer daily, technical setbacks and recurring gas issues had gradually reduced its output to 1,200 tons per day. The January 2024 shutdown, triggered by a drastic drop in gas pressure from Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company, sent ripples through the local economy. Farmers found themselves forced to rely on imported alternatives that failed to match the performance of the locally produced urea, resulting in diminished crop yields and financial strain.
The economic implications were profound. With an estimated daily loss of about 30 crore Bangladeshi Taka, the shutdown affected not only factory operations but also the livelihoods of countless workers, truck drivers, and local business owners. The disruption sparked protests and underscored the indispensable role the factory plays in sustaining regional economic stability.
However, the recent restoration of the gas supply has reinvigorated the facility and, with it, the hope of thousands who depend on its operations. Under the watchful eye of Deputy Chief Engineer Fazlul Haque and General Manager Delwar Hossain, key technical procedures—such as “firing” the production plant’s furnace—have been successfully executed. Full-scale production is anticipated within the next 10–12 days, heralding not only a recovery for the factory but also a renewed promise for the agricultural sector.
This turnaround is much more than a technical fix—it is a vital step toward reinforcing Bangladesh’s self-reliance in fertilizer production. High-quality, domestically produced urea is essential for enhancing crop yields and reducing the nation’s dependence on imported fertilizers and government subsidies. The reactivation of the Jamuna Fertilizer Factory is set to restore a reliable supply chain, ensuring that farmers receive the best inputs for a productive agricultural season.
In an era where the resilience of domestic industries is paramount, the factory’s revival serves as a testament to the importance of addressing infrastructural challenges head-on. It is a reminder that robust, reliable local production can fortify our agricultural sector, stimulate local economies, and pave the way for sustained national growth. As Bangladesh moves forward, the renewed operations at Jamalpur promise a brighter, more stable future for the country’s farmers and the broader economy.
