The government has launched a four-year plan to make Bangladesh self-sufficient in jute seed production, aiming to produce 5,000 metric tons annually from the 2029–30 production season and reduce dependence on imports from India.
Bangladesh requires around 5,000–6,000 tons of jute seeds each season, while the Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) currently supplies about 2,000 tons.
The remaining demand is met through imports from India, costing Tk60–100 crore annually, according to BADC.
Under the plan, BADC is targeting production of 2,210 tons in 2026–27, followed by 3,300 tons in 2027–28 and 4,510 tons in 2028–29.
Seed production is underway through contract growers and BADC facilities, including specialized foundation jute seed farms at Norshipur in Dinajpur and Chingla in Meherpur.
Other BADC farms and divisions are also participating in the programme.
To expand production capacity, BADC plans to establish jute seed contract-grower zones in 10 districts.
A project titled “Achieving Self-Sufficiency in Jute Seed Production through Increasing the Production of Quality Jute Seeds to Reduce Import Dependence” is also awaiting approval for implementation from January 2027 to December 2029.
BADC Chairman Md Azizul Islam is overseeing the program through regular inspections and directives.
