Favourable weather, prices drive jute cultivation higher in Chuadanga
Jute cultivation expands by 435 hectares in Chuadanga this season, with total production projected at 25,578 tonnes and sales estimated at around Tk220 crore.
Jute cultivation has increased in Chuadanga this season as favourable weather as strong market demand and relatively attractive prices have encouraged farmers to expand production.
Farmers across the district are now busy harvesting jute, soaking the stalks in water to separate the fibre, and then drying the processed fibre.
According to the local Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), jute has been cultivated on 9,135 hectares of land across the district's four upazilas this season, 435 hectares more than last year.
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Production is expected to reach 25,578 tonnes, with the crop likely to generate around Tk220 crore in market value, according to the DAE.
Masudur Rahman Sarker, deputy director of the Chuadanga DAE, said weather conditions had been favourable for jute cultivation this year.
"Jute production is expected to be good this season, and farmers should be able to make a profit," he said.
He added that the area under jute cultivation had increased compared with last year, while the DAE was providing farmers with necessary support.
The market for jute sticks has also remained strong, with farmers reporting high demand for the by-product.
Farmers said jute plants have grown tall and thick this year due to favourable weather and adequate rainfall. Water levels in rivers, canals, and other wetlands and fields are also sufficient for retting, reducing concerns over the process.
Farmers have mainly cultivated JRO-524 and BJRI Tossa Pat-8 varieties this season.
The cost of cultivating jute is somewhere around Tk14,000 to Tk17,000 per bigha, while average production is expected to be about 2.8 tonnes per hectare.
Jute is currently selling for Tk3,200-Tk3,500 per maund, according to farmers.
"Jute prices have remained relatively high over the past two years. The crop has also performed well this season, and sufficient rain has made retting easier," said local farmers.
They said they expect better returns provided market prices remain stable during the peak selling season.
