Bangladesh is well on the track of entering the bright era of golden fiber jute as export earnings from jute and jute goods have exceeded its target in the first four months (July- October) of this fiscal year 2020-21.
This information has been revealed by the textile and jute ministry at a time when the entire country is plagued by the economy-destroying coronavirus pandemic. But it also ushers in a golden future for the golden fiber if growers and international market are nourished properly.
In these four months, jute and jute goods export earnings stood at $ 436.7 million, which is 39.52 percent higher than the same period of last year and at the same time about 20.47 percent more than the target.
According to the latest data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladesh earned $436.7 million by exporting jute and jute products in the first four months (July-October) of the current fiscal year 2020-21. This is 39.52 percent more than the same period last year.
The ministry information showed formulation and implementation of a practical action plan of the ministry in the development and expansion of the country's jute sector is helping the ‘Golden Fiber’ increase its contribution to the national economy.
Besides, the government is providing all possible assistance for the expansion of the jute industry and motivating the jute farmers considering its demand in domestic and international markets.
The labor-intensive jute sector has been playing an important role in the socio-economic development of the country and so, the Textiles and Jute Ministry has taken various initiatives for the development of the jute sector.
To accelerate the revival and modernization of the jute industry, the ‘Mandatory Jute Packaging Act 2010’, ‘Jute Act, 2017’ and ‘National Jute Policy, 2018’ have been formulated. Through the implementation of all these laws and policies, the demand for jute and jute products in the domestic and international markets of the country has increased tremendously.
The ministry has also taken some effective measures to ensure the proper supply of seeds for jute cultivation as per the targets during the current jute season. The government is implementing a project titled 'Advanced Technology Based Jute and Jute Seed Production and Expansion' from July 2017 to March 2023 under the Department of Jute intending to increase the production of quality jute and achieve self-sufficiency in jute seed production.
The project is being implemented in 230 Upazilas of 48 districts of the country. Through the implementation of the project, farmers are being trained on advanced techniques of jute cultivation. Also, to increase the production of quality jute and jute seeds, all kinds of assistance are being provided to the farmers including free distribution of 390 tonnes of jute seeds.
