In the upcoming 2025-26 fiscal year, the target for land for jute cultivation is set at 705,000 hectares. For this cultivation, 5,000 to 6,000 tons of jute seeds will be required.
This information was given during the ‘Annual Internal Research Review Workshop-2025’ organized by the Agriculture Wing of the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI).
Speakers at the workshop mentioned that Bangladesh produces a total of 1.5 million tonnes of jute, 3 million tonnes of jute sticks, and 600,000 tonnes of charcoal.
Agriculture Secretary Dr. Mohammad Emdad Ullah Mian was present as the chief guest. He said that there is much to be done with jute, and its potential will never run out. We need that market research on how other countries are working with raw jute. Our Scientists have to think broadly and conduct research based on market demands and practical realities.
He also highlighted the importance of increasing jute production despite limited land resources.
The Agriculture Secretary added that collaboration between university research sectors and research institutions would advance jute research further.
He described jute not just as a cash crop but as a pride of our country and a symbol of Bengali identity. Even Cuba imports jute from Bangladesh to set up factories, while many other countries cannot grow jute due to unsuitable climates. We need to improve jute technology to match global advancements.
BJRI Director General Dr. Nargis Akhtar said that jute is not only the ‘golden fiber’ but also a golden chapter of our history and heritage. Since its inception, BJRI has developed 57 jute varieties, 223 agricultural technologies, and 69 industrial and technical technologies.
She said that farmers benefit from jute loans and export incentives, and charcoal exporters receive a 20 percent cash incentive from the government. Currently, there are about 50 charcoal factories in Bangladesh, though some are closed.
Special guests at the workshop included Additional Secretary (Research Sub-division) of the Ministry of Agriculture Md. Abu Zubair Hossain Bablu, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council Dr. Nazmun Nahar Karim, and Vice-Chancellor of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Prof. Dr. Md. Abdul Latif.
The welcome speech was delivered by BJRI’s Chief Scientific Officer of the Breeding Division, Dr. Md. Golam Mostafa, while the keynote presentation was given by Dr. S.M. Mahbub Ali, Coordinator and Chief Scientific Officer of BJRI’s Genome Research Center.
