Farmers in Gopalganj are enjoying higher returns following a bumper jute harvest, with prices ranging from Tk4,700 to Tk5,300 per maund in local markets — Tk1,000-1,500 higher than last year.
Strong demand from jute mills and stockists has boosted trading, bringing renewed optimism to farmers after prices slumped early in the season.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), jute was cultivated on 25,686 hectares across the district’s five upazilas this year, exceeding the target of 24,859 hectares by 827 hectares.
Production reached 52,656 tonnes, surpassing the target of 50,960 tonnes by 1,696 tonnes.
Dr Md Mamunur Rahman, deputy director of the DAE’s Gopalganj office, said farmers spent Tk3,500-3,800 to produce each maund of jute. At current prices, they are earning Tk1,200-1,500 per maund after covering production costs.
At Bhatoyapara Bazar in Kashiani upazila, one of the district’s largest jute markets, traders said prices had rebounded after falling three times at the beginning of the season.
Shamim Sheikh, a jute trader at the market, said mills initially suspended purchases and payments, while stockists also stopped buying, pushing prices down to Tk3,500-3,800 per maund.
“Now, jute mills and stockists are buying at Tk4,700-5,300 per maund. As a result, both the supply of jute and trading activity have increased,” he said.
Aliar Rahman, another trader, said Bhatoyapara Bazar attracts jute from Gopalganj, Faridpur and Narail because of its strategic location near the three districts and its road, rail and waterway connections.
Niamul Haque Sharif, president of the Bhatoyapara Bazar Jute and Bran Goods Traders Association, said the market holds trading sessions every Friday and Monday. Trading begins early in the morning and usually ends by 10am.
The market has around 120 jute trading outlets and at least 100 warehouses, with 1,000-2,000 maunds of jute bought and sold during each market session, he said.
Mofizur Rahman Sheikh, a farmer from Barashur village in Kashiani, said he cultivated jute on 180 decimals of land, producing 52 maunds at a total cost of Tk50,000.
“Rainfall was abundant this year, so retting the jute was not difficult. I am getting Tk1,000-1,500 more per maund than last year, making cultivation profitable. If prices remain favourable, I will expand cultivation next year,” he said.
Pannu Sheikh, a farmer from Chanchair village in Lohagara upazila of Narail, also expressed satisfaction with the bumper harvest and higher prices.
Abu Sufian, acting officer-in-charge of the Gopalganj Meteorological Office, said the district recorded 194mm of rainfall in June, 636mm in July, 390mm in August and 131mm in September, bringing the four-month total to 1,351mm.
The rainfall helped farmers retting jute, easing a crucial stage of production.
With a bumper harvest and improved market prices, farmers hope the favourable trend will continue and encourage further expansion of jute cultivation in the district next year.
