Farmers in the Khulna agricultural region have exceeded the jute cultivation target this season, driven by consistently good yields and attractive market prices in recent years. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) had set a target of cultivating jute on 38,287 hectares, but farmers have cultivated the fibre crop on 38,361 hectares, surpassing the target by 74 hectares.
Favourable Weather Conditions
Young jute plants are thriving under favourable weather conditions, raising hopes of a bumper harvest this season. Farmers are expected to begin harvesting the fibre crop from the middle of this month. The excellent growth of jute plants, aided by frequent rainfall, indicates a plentiful production of fibre this season.
Support from Agricultural Organisations
The DAE, Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC), and other agriculture-related organisations have provided farmers with the necessary support to make the intensive jute cultivation programme a success. Farmers have been given training on ribbon retting and other fibre extraction methods to maintain quality in the event of water shortages, enabling them to secure better prices for the golden fibre.
Economic Benefits and Soil Health
Farmers are optimistic about achieving the production target through the expansion of high-yielding jute varieties. Besides earning good profits from jute cultivation, farmers also benefit because decomposed jute leaves and deep roots act as organic fertiliser, improving soil health and fertility.
Market Demand and Prices
Predicting a bumper production this season, Md Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director of Khulna Agriculture Region, said demand for jute has increased steadily since it was declared a national agricultural product and the mandatory use of jute bags was introduced in various sectors. Farmer Sohrab Ali of Barasat village in Terokhada upazila of Khulna told BSS that growers expect good prices for jute fibre this year, similar to last season, when it sold for between Tk 5,500 and Tk 6,000 per maund.
Future Prospects
Farmers Mahtab Hossain, Shaed Mahmud, Abdul Awal, and Apurbo Kumar Roy from different villages in the Fultala Upazila of Khulna also expressed optimism about a bumper harvest and said they are preparing to begin harvesting the crop from the next month. With the aim of earning higher profits and restoring the past glory of this golden fibre, farmers are optimistic about achieving the production target through the expansion of high-yielding jute varieties.
