Rangpur’s agricultural landscape is buzzing with optimism this week as farmers and officials report healthy growth of jute crops and the expectation of a bumper production in the coming harvest. In the Rangpur region, tender jute plants are thriving, thanks to recent favorable weather and consistent rainfall. Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) officials say farmers will begin harvesting next month, anticipating excellent yields. Farmers also hope to receive strong prices in the local market, similar to last season’s Tk 4,000–5,000 per mound. The government has set a target of 709,799 bales on 54,669 hectares in the current Kharif-1 season. This includes 623,450 bales of the popular “Tosha” variety, 32,565 bales of “Deshi,” 2,124 bales of “Mechta,” and 5,315 bales of Kenaf. While the cultivated area is slightly below target—48,457 hectares—the use of high-yield seed varieties, GAP training, and improved retting methods like ribbon-retting are expected to boost both yield and fibre quality. This year’s preparation also included training farmers on water-saving ribbon-retting technology, and on steaming setups for quality fibre where water is limited. These techniques reflect a smart blend of traditional farming and modern agritech solutions, helping farmers maintain productivity even under changing water conditions. This initiative showcases the synergy between Agriculture (core) and Agritech (other). By introducing modern retting systems and fiber quality control into farm fields, Rangpur officials are laying the groundwork for stronger export readiness and fibre consistency. Farmers like Ishaq Ali and Nurunnabi Sarkar from rural villages shared that they’re eager for the harvest season. They’ve already spotted healthy stems and are confident of high fibre content. Meanwhile, training from DAE and Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) has equipped farmers with inputs and technical know-how, enabling them to reclaim jute’s “Golden Fibre” reputation. As the harvest approaches, the local economy is looking to benefit. Jute cultivation improves soil health—its decomposed roots add organic nutrients—and provides income through both fibre and field residues. Combined with engineering efforts in retting, Rangpur’s jute farmers may soon share the stage with leading fibre producers globally. In summary, Rangpur’s jute hopefuls are not just expecting higher yields—they symbolize a positive shift in agricultural practice. By integrating core farming with agritech empowerment, they’re preparing for a successful season that boosts rural incomes and strengthens the rural fiber industry in Bangladesh.
