Dinajpur: Farmers in Dinajpur are expressing renewed enthusiasm for jute cultivation this year, buoyed by favorable market prices.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Dinajpur is optimistic that if the current jute market prices persist, there will be a significant boost in production levels. Deputy Director of the DAE, Md Afzal Hossain, revealed in a recent interview that the target for jute cultivation was set at 760 hectares, with an anticipated yield of 9,066.8 bales, averaging 11.93 bales per hectare.
In previous years, jute, also known as “Sonali Ash,” saw a decline in cultivation as farmers shifted away due to dwindling demand for jute products. However, the resurgence of interest in eco-friendly jute products has led to an increase in demand, enabling farmers to secure better prices for their harvests this year.
Earlier this season, 572 farmers from various upazilas, including Sadar, Phulbari, Birganj, Kaharol, and Chirirbandar, received training on modern jute cultivation techniques. The DAE also distributed improved jute seeds and chemical fertilizers to 3,850 farmers across 13 upazilas to further encourage cultivation.
Abdul Jalil, a farmer from Nasharatpur village in Chirirbandar upazila, shared that he had struggled with poor prices for jute in recent years, leading many to abandon the crop. Previously, jute sold for Tk 1,800 to 2,500 per maund, but this year, prices have risen to Tk 3,800 to 4,000 per maund, making it easier for farmers to sell their produce and boosting their satisfaction.
Interviews with farmers like Dhirendra Debnath of Phulbari upazila indicate that the value of jute stalks as fuel has also risen, with prices reaching Tk 400 to 500 per maund, providing farmers with extra income. Dhirendra emphasized that if current market conditions persist, the future of jute cultivation looks promising.
Assistant Director of the District Jute Department, Md Solaiman Ali, highlighted the potential of jute as a promising crop, noting that government initiatives to distribute free seeds and fertilizers have played a crucial role in revitalizing farmer interest and boosting production in the region.