Farmers in the Rajshahi district are filled with hope for an excellent jute harvest this season, thanks to the recent timely monsoon rains. Even though there was a dry spell earlier when farmers were planting and the young jute plants were just starting to grow, causing some worries about watering the fields and the quality of the jute fiber, the situation has turned around wonderfully. The much-needed rains have refilled local ponds and canals, making it easier to soak the jute properly. This important step, known as retting, has significantly improved the quality of the jute, making it soft, long, and beautifully golden. According to the local agricultural department, Rajshahi has actually grown more jute than they had planned this year. Farmers planted jute on 17,305 hectares of land, which is more than the target of 17,185 hectares. This shows the increasing interest and effort put in by the farmers. The harvesting of this valuable crop began in mid-July and is expected to continue through August, keeping farmers busy in their fields. Everyone involved, from the farmers themselves to the agricultural officials, is feeling very positive about the season’s outlook. While the costs of growing jute have gone up a bit, mainly due to higher prices for seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and the daily wages for workers, farmers are still expecting good profits. They believe they will harvest about 10 to 12 maunds of jute from each bigha of land. In the wholesale markets of Rajshahi, jute is currently selling for good prices, ranging from Tk 3,000 to Tk 3,800 for each maund, depending on its quality. Experts also predict that these prices will likely go up even more as the best quality white jute starts to arrive in the markets. This promising situation marks a potential return to what many call the “golden era” of jute in Bangladesh. Farmers have been getting better prices for their jute in recent years, which has made them more eager to cultivate this important cash crop. The rising demand for jute, both within Bangladesh and from other countries, is also helping to push prices higher. The government’s efforts, such as making it necessary to use jute bags for packaging certain goods, are also playing a big part in boosting demand and supporting the jute industry. The careful process of growing, harvesting, and preparing jute, from the fields to the markets, shows how crucial logistics are for this sector. Ensuring that the high-quality fiber can be efficiently processed and transported is key to getting good prices for farmers. With favorable weather, dedicated farmers, and increasing market interest, the future looks bright for jute production in Rajshahi, promising good returns for farmers and strengthening this traditional industry’s place in the economy.
