Kushtia, Jan. 7 -- Onion farmers in Kumarkhali Upazila are struggling with a fertiliser shortfall just as high market prices are driving record planting this season.

Last year, onions fetched prices ranging from Tk 35-40 per kilogram at the start of the season, climbing to Tk 120-135 per kilogram later in the year, locals said.

This fiscal year, they said, prices currently hover around Tk 85-90 per kilogram, while production costs stand at Tk 22-25 per kilogram, creating a lucrative margin that has prompted many farmers to expand cultivation.

But farmers say a lack of essential fertilisers, including urea, TSP, MOP, and DAP, threatens the budding crop. Allegations of dealer collusion are rife, with sub-dealers and intermediaries report...