Golden Smiles on Farmers’ Faces as Jute Cultivation Thrives in Tangail

Mustafa Kamal Nannu, Tangail

Jute, often referred to as the “golden fiber” of Bangladesh, is once again living up to its name. At the beginning of this harvesting season, farmers in Tangail are reaping smiles alongside profits, thanks to higher market prices compared to last year.

Farmers across the district have reported better yields this season. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), comprehensive support is being provided to jute cultivators.

Although the total area of jute cultivation has slightly decreased compared to the previous year, favorable weather, improved seed quality, and timely assistance from agricultural officials have led to promising outcomes.

Last year, many farmers suffered significant losses as they couldn’t properly rett their jute due to a water shortage. This time around, farmers are fully engaged in harvesting, retting, stripping, and drying the jute fiber. Family members, especially women, are actively participating in these labor-intensive processes. Many farmers have already begun selling their produce at favorable prices, fueling optimism about a bumper harvest.

However, rising labor costs and low water availability in some areas have posed challenges for farmers.

Farmers reported yields of 8 to 9 maunds (1 maund = approx. 37.3 kg) per bigha this season. While jute prices ranged from Tk 2,500 to Tk 2,700 per maund last year, this season they have increased significantly to Tk 4,000–4,200 per maund. As a result, many farmers are hopeful for profits this year, reversing last year’s losses.

According to the DAE, jute was cultivated on 19,650 hectares of land in the district last year. This year’s target was set at 19,818 hectares, and actual cultivation has taken place on 18,361 hectares. The production target is 217,300 bales of jute. Local varieties including Deshi, Tossa, Kenaf, and Mesta are being cultivated this season.

Among all upazilas in Tangail, Bhuanpur had the highest jute cultivation with 3,915 hectares, followed by Sadar (3,375 ha), Gopalpur (3,000 ha), and Delduar (1,905 ha). Nagarpur also saw significant cultivation on 1,860 hectares. Other notable areas include Mirzapur (1,318 ha), Kalihati (1,170 ha), and Ghatail (790 ha). Smaller areas of cultivation were recorded in Basail (480 ha), Sakhipur (275 ha), Madhupur (163 ha), and the lowest in Dhanbari with only 110 hectares.

Ramzan Ali, a farmer from Sadar upazila, said: “I cultivated jute on 40 decimals this year, and the market price is quite good. We’re getting 8–9 maunds per bigha. Last year, I incurred a loss before harvest due to crop damage.”

Shuvo Khan, a farmer from Deuli village, shared: “I grew jute on 50 decimals of land with an investment of around Tk 5,000–7,000. This year’s yield is great. I expect to harvest 15–16 maunds, which should fetch me about Tk 60,000.”

Another farmer, Jony Ahmed, added: “Last year, we suffered heavy losses. This year, the high price has brought profits. Those who cultivated jute are seeing good returns. However, costs are higher this year, and water shortages remain an issue for retting.”

Abdus Samad, a laborer, said: “I’m working daily to strip the jute. I get Tk 500 per day with one meal.”

Ashiq Parvez, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Tangail, told The New Nation, “Tangail is one of the leading districts in jute production. Farmers are getting fair prices in the market. We have provided support in the form of government incentives and free seed distribution. We expect overall production to rise this year.”