The price of jute—once known as the golden fibre of the country —has nearly tripled in Rajshahi over the past 10 years amid rising demand, encouraging farmers to expand cultivation significantly.
As a result, jute farming in the district has almost doubled, with around 7,000 additional bighas brought under cultivation this season. Farmers and stakeholders say the trend is gradually restoring the ‘golden days’ of the country’s traditional export crop.
According to sources from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), Rajshahi, jute production has increased by 22,946 metric tons over the last decade, supported by both higher prices and improved agricultural guidance.
In 2016, jute was cultivated on 11,260 hectares of land, producing 22,836 metric tons. By 2025, cultivation expanded to 17,305 hectares, yielding 45,782 metric tons.
Farmers say sustained good prices over the past four years have significantly boosted their interest in jute farming.
Kalam, a farmer from the Duary area of Paba Upazila, said, “Including land lease, seeds, fertilizer, labour, irrigation and other costs, expenses are about Tk 20,000 per bigha. The yield is around nine to ten maunds per bigha. After deducting costs, I earned a profit of Tk 16,000 to 18,000 per bigha last year.”
He added that many farmers in his area have also benefited, prompting them to bring more land under jute cultivation this year.
According to the DAE, jute cultivation has reached 18,305 hectares in the district this year—about 7,000 bighas above the target. Officials noted that favourable weather conditions have kept the crop in good shape so far.
The Department of Agricultural Marketing said it is closely monitoring the market to ensure fair prices for farmers. Market committees have been instructed to protect farmers’ rightful earnings and curb the influence of middlemen.
Officials also emphasized the need to strengthen the market system for Bangladesh’s traditional export crop. They noted that the government is working to enforce the Mandatory Jute Packaging Act 2010 to boost domestic use of jute products. In addition, the raw jute export policy is helping farmers secure fair prices.
Sources further said there are seven jute mills in the district, including Rajshahi Jute Mills. These mills purchase jute directly from farmers at competitive rates.
The largest facility, Rahman Jute Spinners in Puthia Upazila, has a production capacity of 100 metric tons. Other mills include Rahman Jute Mill (20 metric tons), Hasan Jute Mill (18 metric tons), and Nowhata Jute Mill and Aman Jute Fibers, each with a capacity of 15 metric tons.
Farmers and traders say that with favourable prices and stable demand, both production and income have improved this year. They believe continued price stability will further expand jute cultivation in the coming seasons.
Mohammad Nasir Uddin, Deputy Director of DAE Rajshahi, said farmers are being supported with seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and regular technical advice to encourage jute cultivation.
He added that cultivation has increased due to effective farmer motivation and the government’s ban on polythene bags, which has boosted demand for jute bags and sacks—directly benefiting growers.