Farmers in haor areas of Brahmanbaria are celebrating a bumper jute harvest this season, aided by favorable weather conditions. Across the district's rural areas, jute harvesting, fiber extraction, and drying are in full swing. However, despite the abundant production, growers remain concerned about low market prices and the absence of a government-declared minimum support price.
Local farmers say rising production costs have significantly reduced their profit margins. Without an advance price guarantee, many are forced to sell their freshly harvested jute to middlemen at prices they describe as unfair.
Once known as Bangladesh's ‘golden fiber’, jute was a cornerstone of the country's export economy. Although its global dominance has declined, thousands of farming families in Brahmanbaria continue to cultivate the crop. This year's favorable weather has produced an excellent yield, but many farmers fear they will not receive adequate returns.
Selim Mia, a jute farmer from the area, said cultivating one kani (about 30 decimals) of land costs between Tk 8,000 and Tk 10,000. Harvesting expenses have also increased, with laborers charging Tk 700 to Tk 800 per day.
"After spending so much on cultivation, we still cannot recover our investment because market prices remain too low," Selim said. "Middlemen purchase jute cheaply from farmers and later sell it at much higher prices after storing it. The government should announce a minimum procurement price before the harvesting season so farmers receive fair value for their produce."
Another farmer, Priyatosh Sahazi, shared similar concerns, saying production costs have continued to rise while selling prices remain uncertain.
"If the government fixed the price before the harvest, we could sell our jute with confidence," he said. "We are requesting the authorities to introduce a fair pricing system that protects farmers."
Officials from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), however, say the overall outlook remains positive.
Dr Mostafa Emran Hossain, Deputy Director of the Brahmanbaria DAE, said Desi, Tosha, Kenaf, and Mesta varieties of jute have been cultivated on approximately 4,575 hectares across the haor upazilas of Nasirnagar, Sarail, Bijoynagar, Nabinagar, and Bancharampur.
"Favorable weather has resulted in an excellent harvest this season," he said. "Current market conditions are encouraging, and we expect farmers to receive fair prices. The estimated value of this year's jute production is around Tk 100 crore."
Meanwhile, Brahmanbaria Agricultural Marketing Officer Abu Bakar said the department is working to expand the use of jute through its 11-day ‘On-the-Job’ training programme.
"We train participants to produce value-added jute products with export potential," he said. "Anyone interested in developing jute-based enterprises is welcome to contact our office for technical support and training."
While officials remain optimistic, farmers argue that long-term sustainability depends on stronger government intervention. They believe introducing a guaranteed minimum price, strengthening market oversight, and reducing the influence of middlemen would help ensure fair returns and encourage continued jute cultivation in one of Bangladesh's traditional jute-producing regions.