Farmers unhappy over low jute price in Kurigram

UNB, Kurigram :

Jute farmers in Kurigram are facing a bleak situation as its prices continue to decline despite a good harvest this year and many of them are thinking of leaving jute cultivation for good from the next season.

Farmers said although the prices were good at the beginning of the season, they have significantly dropped.

The dire situation faced by jute farmers has raised concerns about the sustainability of jute cultivation in the region, as many are questioning the economic viability of continuing to grow this important cash crop.

The current market price of jute is between Tk 1800 to Tk 2000 per maund. Farmers are getting worried about whether they will be able to get their investment back.

Talking to UNB, some jute farmers said that they may have to give up jute cultivation in the next season due to such a slump in the prices.

A visit to the bustling jute market in Jatrapur, Kurigram’s Sadar Upazila, reveals the gravity of the situation.

Farmers from far and wide have arrived with their jute crops, using various means of transportation, including boats, bicycles, and horse-drawn carts.

However, the disappointment is palpable as they learn about the low prices of their jute.

Compared to the previous week’s market, jute prices have plummeted by TK300-400 per maund, leaving farmers with negligible profits.

Md Noor Islam, a farmer who came to the market from Kadamtala village of Kurigram Sadar said, “Cultivating jute on one bigha of land costs Tk 14000 to TK 15000 including fertilizer, water, pesticides and the labour costs.

I get 8-10 maunds of jute from one bigha of land.

There will be no profit if I sell the product at current price.

What is the benefit of cultivating jute with so much difficulty then?”