Farmers in Dinajpur are returning to jute after a strong rise in prices, and local agricultural officials say a package of training, free seeds and fertilizers helped bring many back to the crop. The Department of Agricultural Extension in the district set a jute cultivation target on 760 hectares with a production aim of 9,066.8 bales and an expected yield of about 11.93 bales per hectare, and officials say those targets look achievable as farmers report good sales. At the start of the season, 572 farmers received training on modern jute growing methods in several upazilas, and the DAE handed out improved jute seeds and fertilizers free to 3,850 farmers across thirteen upazilas to encourage planting. Farmers say the market has improved enough to make jute a profitable choice again, noting that per maund prices have climbed from earlier low ranges of one thousand eight hundred to two thousand five hundred taka to a new level of about three thousand eight hundred to four thousand taka. That rise has helped households feel more confident about growing jute, and some farmers also earn extra income by selling jute stalks for fuel at roughly four hundred to five hundred taka per maund. Local growers described a clear change from recent years when many left jute for other crops because demand fell, and they said the better market is drawing labor and investment back into jute fields. Deputy Director Md Afzal Hossain and the district jute team highlighted that jute is a promising crop for both small and larger farms, and officials praised the combination of training, improved seeds and fair prices for restoring interest. Farmers who spoke with reporters said that easy market access, steady buyers and visible gains have made planting jute a safer bet, and extension workers added that modern techniques taught in the training help raise yields and reduce costs. The distribution of inputs and hands-on lessons also aimed to help women and young farmers join the work and to make jute production more climate-smart and efficient. Local leaders hope that if prices remain fair, the revival will continue and bring more stable incomes, renewed local trading in jute products and a rebound in the jute value chain. Officials also said continued support and market linkages will be key so farmers can plan future seasons with confidence, and they encouraged growers to use the training and improved seed varieties to keep yields strong while protecting soil and farm livelihoods. Farmers like Dhirendra Debnath and Abdul Jalil said they feel hopeful and plan to plant more jute next season, and local groups are helping by sharing tools and market tips so smallholders can sell directly to buyers and earn returns.
