Dhaka: The government has undertaken a comprehensive and multidimensional short, medium, and long-term plan to increase jute production and ensure fair prices at the farmers’ level, said Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir in Parliament today. Responding to a scripted question from NCP lawmaker Abdul Hannan Masud (Noakhali-6), the minister stated that the plan aligns with the government’s election manifesto, focusing on an integrated approach to revitalise the jute sector.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, priority has been given to increasing the production and supply of high-yielding and improved varieties of jute and jute seeds. This includes expanding modern cultivation technologies and strengthening farmers’ capacity through enhanced training programmes. To facilitate this, a feasibility study project titled ‘Production and Distribution of Advanced Technology-based Jute and Jute Seeds’ has already been initiated.
Following the completion of the study, the implementation of the main project is expected to begin in November 2026. The proposed project places emphasis on the use of advanced technologies, ensuring the availability of quality seeds, reducing production costs, and improving fibre quality to boost overall productivity. These measures aim to directly contribute to increasing farmers’ income and stabilising market prices.
The minister also informed the House about the ongoing project titled ‘Production and Expansion of Advanced Technology-based Jute and Jute Seeds’, which is scheduled for completion in June 2026. Future initiatives will be designed based on the evaluation of the achievements and lessons learned from this project, aiming for more integrated and effective interventions.
As part of the continuous effort, the feasibility study project has been initiated to pave the way for a more integrated programme. Muktadir expressed hope that these initiatives would not only increase production and improve quality but also strengthen market systems, ensure fair prices for farmers, and transform the jute sector into a sustainable, competitive, and export-oriented industry.