After years of low returns and rising production costs, jute farmers in Rajshahi are finally seeing a turnaround as strong prices and a bumper harvest breathe new life into the country's traditional ‘golden fibre.’
Freshly harvested jute is selling for Tk4,000-4,500 per maund, up sharply from Tk3,000-3,500 at the start of last season, allowing growers to recover costs comfortably and earn healthy profits.
The improved market has also fuelled optimism that jute could reclaim its position as one of the country's most profitable cash crops if prices remain stable throughout the harvesting season.
At Nowhata Haat in Paba upazila on Monday, trading was brisk as farmers arrived with freshly processed fibre loaded onto vans, three-wheelers and locally made Nosimon vehicles.
Bablu Ahmed of Choubaria village, who cultivated an early jute variety on five bighas, said he harvested around 11 maunds per bigha and sold part of his produce at Tk4,500 per maund.
"After covering production costs, I'm expecting a profit of around Tk25,000 per bigha," he said.
Abdul Alim of Bargachhi Union said he spent nearly Tk22,000 to cultivate each bigha of land this season. With favourable weather producing yields of 10-12 maunds per bigha, he expects to earn around Tk20,000 in profit per bigha.
Traders also reported a much stronger market than last year.
"Last season we bought jute for Tk3,000 to Tk3,500 per maund. This year we're paying around Tk4,500, and even more for premium-quality fibre," said trader Janip Hossain of Nowhata Bazar.
Across Paba, farmers are simultaneously harvesting jute and preparing fields for Aman paddy transplantation. While encouraged by the current prices, many remain wary that rates could fall once peak-season supplies enter the market.
They also cited labour shortages and inadequate water bodies for retting, forcing them to transport harvested jute over long distances and increasing production costs.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), jute cultivation in Rajshahi has expanded to 18,399 hectares this season, up from 17,305 hectares last year. The district has set a production target of 49,333 metric tonnes, compared with 48,677 metric tonnes produced last year.
Rajshahi DAE Deputy Director Mohammad Nasir Uddin said the crop initially faced setbacks due to drought and a diesel shortage. However, timely rainfall, improved fuel supplies and proper crop management helped farmers achieve good yields.
"The current market price is encouraging. Farmers are expected to make better profits this year, which will have a positive impact on the rural economy," he said.
Paba Upazila Agriculture Officer MA Mannan said sustained prices throughout the season could encourage more farmers to expand jute cultivation next year.
Meanwhile, Assistant Director of the Department of Jute in Rajshahi Md Nadim Akhtar said production is projected to reach 381,696 quintals this year, up from 360,494 quintals last year.
He said the combination of higher output and favourable prices has created fresh optimism among growers, who believe a stable market could help restore jute's importance in Bangladesh's agricultural economy.
