Pabna farmers happy over good jute yield, colour

PABNA, Aug 14: Farmers in the district are dreaming golden dreams this year, thanks to a good yield and the fine colour of jute. 
If the current market holds, they expect to make a reasonable profit. However, from the very beginning, farmers have been anxious about jute prices. They fear that if prices drop further during the peak season, they will face losses. 
According to the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) in Pabna, jute has been cultivated on 725 hectares more than the target this season. The target was 42,690 hectares, with an expected production of 5,58,987 bales or 25,46,884 maunds. In reality, jute has been planted on 43,415 hectares - 750 hectares more than last year. By Thursday, jute had been cut on 33,116 hectares.
The DAE also reported that the weather was favourable throughout the cultivation period. From sowing to harvesting, farmers faced no major difficulties. At the start of the season, jute sold for Tk 4,200 to Tk 4,500 per maund. Now, in full season, the market rate is Tk 3,200 to Tk 3,800. Several varieties, including JRO 524, Maharashtra O-9897, and Robi-1, are grown in the area.
Talking to farmers in Pabna Sadar, Atgharia, Santhia, and Bhangura upazilas, it was learnt that they are pleased with this year’s yield. Due to adequate rains, there is enough water in rivers, canals, and ponds, so harvesting has been trouble-free. The golden colour of jute is particularly bright because of the rain. Farmers say that from cutting to drying, both men and women work hard. Yet the colour and yield vary by region; if water is available during harvesting and the sun is hot during drying, the golden shade becomes more vivid.
Farmers also mentioned that many labourers are needed to cut jute, ret it in water bodies, and weed it. This costs Tk 14,000 to Tk 16,000 per bigha. The total cost, which varies with the distance from field to water source, comes to about Tk 20,000 per bigha.
Jalal Uddin of Chak-Ugragarh Village in Pabna Sadar Upazila said, “The market price is now Tk 3,200 to Tk 3,800. It costs Tk 20,000 to Tk 25,000 to cultivate jute on one bigha. Those who get good results will make some profit.”
Rabiul Islam of Malanchi Village said, “I have cultivated jute on 2 bighas. This year the yield is better, and the colour is golden because of the water in the area.”
Liakat Hossain of Islampur Village, who was weeding jute in the Ichamati River, said, “This year we are getting 6 to 10 maunds per bigha. But the market price is decreasing day by day, so we are a little worried.”
Rafiqul Islam of Boalmari Village in Santhia Upazila said, “At the start, jute cultivation does not need much effort. But from cutting, transporting, retting, weeding, and drying - the hardships are endless. If we get a fair price, all that labour is worthwhile. I have grown jute on three bighas this year, spending at least Tk 20,000 per bigha.”
Shah Ali of Bhangura Upazila said, “This year’s price is fairly good. Jute is selling at Tk 3,600 to Tk 3,800 per maund. Also, jute sticks are being sold for Tk 500 to Tk 600 per 100.”
Baher Ali of Patuli Para Village said, “This year’s price is better than last year. However, in some areas, water-logging is making fibre collection a bit difficult.”
Jute traders Azad Hossain and Mukul Hossain of Bhangura Bazar said, “The full season has not yet begun; it will start in a few days. Currently, jute is being sold at Tk 3,500 to Tk 3,800 per maund, depending on area and quality.”