Fuel shortage casts shadow over jute farming in Faridpur

Faridpur, known as Bangladesh’ jute capital,is facing a looming setback in jute production as farmers struggle with an acute shortage of diesel during the crucial sowing season.

The shortfall in fuel coupled with irregular electricity supply, has disrupted irrigation activities across the district, raising fears that jute output may be affected this season, reports UNB.

However, agricultural officials remain cautiously optimistic, saying a couple of spells of heavy rainfall could ease the crisis. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Faridpur, the target for jute cultivation in the current Rabi season has been set at 87,000 hectares.

Farmers typically begin sowing jute seeds immediately after harvesting onions, relying heavily on irrigation to prepare the fields.

So far, around 60 percent of the targeted land has already been brought under cultivation.

The ongoing Iran-Israel conflict has impacted global oil markets, leading to a fuel shortage in the country that is now affecting agricultural operations at the local level.

With diesel supplies falling short and power outages persisting, many growers are worried about meeting irrigation needs on time.

Local farmers from Saltha and Nagarkanda upazilas said timely irrigation is critical for jute cultivation.

“The soil needs to retain some moisture during sowing so that the seeds can germinate properly. Without adequate water, germination is poor,” one farmer explained.

Jute growers in Boalmari including Paritosh Kittunia, Moniruzzaman and Mizanur Rahman, echoed similar concerns.