Golden fibre boosts farmers' hopes, prosperity in Faridpur

Faridpur, the heartland of jute cultivation in the middle of Bangladesh, is reaffirming its status as the nation's jute capital with a robust harvest this season. 

Favourable weather conditions and relentless efforts by farmers have led to record production of the golden fibre, reinforcing the district's strength and its iconic branding: "Sonali Ashe Bhorpur, Bhalobashi Faridpur" (Full of golden fibre, we love Faridpur).

This year, jute cultivation in Faridpur exceeded its target, reaching 86,531 hectares, surpassing the projected 86,525 hectares of land. 

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), over 200,000 tonnes of jute have been produced, with an estimated market value exceeding Tk2000 crore.

Agriculturist Md. Shahaduzzaman, deputy director (DD) of the DAE in Faridpur, said, "Faridpur has always led in jute production. This year, we've exceeded our cultivation targets and expect a bumper yield." 

"If farmers receive fair prices, the entire nation benefits because when farmers thrive, the country thrives," he added. 

Experts attributed this success to the region's fertile soil and climate, which remain highly conducive to jute farming.

Across Faridpur, farmers are busy harvesting raw jute from vast green fields and processing it through retting and fibre extraction. This year's yield has further solidified Faridpur's position as one of Bangladesh's leading jute-producing regions.

Farmers from Boalmari, Madhukhali, and Nagarkanda said that this year's abundant rainfall allowed proper retting, resulting in high-quality jute with vibrant colour. 

They believed that with adequate government backing and fair market rates, jute cultivation could expand even further in the coming years.

Although the season began with drought, followed by unexpected heavy rainfall that left low-lying areas waterlogged, causing limited damage, most parts of the district still saw good yields. The outcome has brought optimism among farmers.

Despite the bumper harvest, farmers expressed concern over fair prices, as rising costs of seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and labour wages are eroding their profits. They urged the government to ensure fair prices and reduce input costs.

For the people of Faridpur, locals said, the golden fibre is not only a symbol of the district's identity but also of the farmers' livelihood. With the right policy and assistance, this proud heritage can be further enriched.

Thanks to abundant jute production, at least 20 jute mills, including Partex Jute Mills Ltd, Faridpur Jute Fibres Ltd, Faridpur Zobaida Karim Jute Mills, Sharif Jute Mills, Altu Khan Jute Mills, Dahmasi Jute Mills, and Razzak Jute Mills Ltd, have sprung up in the region. 

These mills are producing carpets, bags, sacks, threads, ropes, and other products that are both eco-friendly and aesthetically appealing.

In addition, a new generation of entrepreneurs, both young and experienced, is striving to take jute-based products to global markets. Their efforts have not only expanded the market but also enhanced the diversity and appeal of jute items. With growing demand, more entrepreneurs are entering the sector, contributing to product diversification and quality improvement.

Among their collections are attractive carpets, curtains, cushion covers, sofa covers, shoes, sandals, bed sheets, ropes, baskets, bags, and a variety of handicrafts and showpieces. Innovative ventures such as jute geo-textiles, carpet backing, jute polymers, and the eco-friendly "Sonali Bag" as a substitute for polythene have also drawn wide attention.

At any local fair or cultural festival, stalls of jute products invariably catch the eyes of visitors, who take delight in buying their favourite items. Many also purchase jute-made showpieces as gifts for their loved ones.

With its distinct quality and uniqueness, jute and jute-based products are steadily expanding in both scope and popularity.

However, entrepreneurs and mill owners believe more government support is essential to ensure the sector's rapid growth. They point out that the high cost of production often pushes jute goods beyond the reach of many consumers.

They suggested that by expanding the export of jute and jute products, foreign currency earnings could increase, thereby strengthening the industry and safeguarding entrepreneurs engaged in this traditional yet ever-evolving golden fibre sector.