New possibilities have been created in Kishoreganj as farmers are becoming more interested in jute cultivation for jute prices are getting better. Jute cultivation in Kishoreganj has been gradually increasing for the last three years for jute yield has improved due to favorable weather.
Currently, farmers are busy cutting jute from the field and removing fibres from rotten jute in the district. Visiting jute fields such a picture was seen recently. According to Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) sources, jute was planted on 14,875 hectares of land in the 2018-19 Kharip season, on 15,500 hectares of land in 2019-20 and on 16,750 hectares of land in 2020-21.
Farmers are showing interest in jute cultivation as the prices are getting better in the market. Last year, jute was sold at Tk 1,600 per mound. However, at the beginning of the current season, it is being sold at Tk 2,400-2,500 per mound.
It can be seen on the ground that jute is being cut from the fields in most parts of the district and being taken to elsewhere. Preparations are underway to rot jute and work is also underway to remove the fibers from the rotten jute.
Talking to the farmers, it is learned that even a few years ago, the farmers had incurred losses by cultivating jute. Profits are increasing so farmers are inclined to cultivate jute. At present farmers are able to sell jute very easily and at good prices.
Hossain Ali, a farmer from Sakua village in Karimganj upazila, has cultivated jute on five Bighas of land this season. He said jute cultivation has increased. Yield has also been good in favorable weather.
Yasin Mia, a wholesale jute trader in Nilganj Bazar of Sadar upazila, said jute has started coming to the market and prices are also good. Farmers are expected to get good profit.
Md. Abul Bashar, Scientific Officer, Bangladesh Jute Research Regional Centre in Kishoreganj said, the cultivation of jute, especially HC-95, a very popular variety, is increasing day by day in Kishoreganj. Farmers are constantly being deceived by planting imported seeds but they are getting higher yields by planting varieties developed by Bangladesh Jute Research Institute. By cultivating Indian variety, where farmers get 1-1.5 mound per Katha (10 decimal) of land, farmers are getting 3-3.5 mound yield from Bangladesh Jute Research seeds.
Saiful Alam, Deputy Director of Kishoreganj Khamarbari, said new possibilities have been created in jute cultivation. If the means of marketing are retained, the golden fibre jute will once again carry the golden flag for the country.