Jute growers eye bumper yield

Jute farmers of Magura and Gopalganj districts are expecting a bumper production this year, as weather for growing the 'golden fibre' of Bangladesh is favourable.

Our Magura Correspondent says adequate rainfall and quality seeds have made Magura jute growers optimistic of achieving a bumper production.

In the meantime, jute plant has taken a hopeful height and fresh look.

According to sources at the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Magura said farmers have brought 34,370 hectares of land this season with an output target of 463,995 bales jute.

This season jute growers in the district are blessed with adequate rainfall, which is 175mm from April 1 to May 31.

Earlier, 5,600 jute growers in the district were provided with free seeds as incentive.

Ali Reza, a farmer of village Ghoramara under Magura Sadar Upazila, said, "I have brought my 2 bighas of land under jute cultivation. I am expecting 20 maunds of jute this season. I have got free seeds from the DAE as incentive.

Another farmer, Moinul Hossen, of village Kullia under Magura Sadar Upazila said, "This year I have brought my 3 bigha land under jute cultivation. Due to adequate rainfall I have no irrigation cost for my jute land."

Moreover, due to adequate rainfall my jute plants have taken fresh look making me optimistic to achieve a bumper production.

Mukter Hossen, a farmer of village Beroil under Magura Sadar Upazila, said if such weather prevails, we get adequate water in water body for jute rotting we shall be able to sell quality jute counting handsome profit.

He also said that the government should adopt proper policy right now to ensure fair price of jute.

Agriculturist Shushan Chowhan said jute farming has a positive impact on soil. The leaves fall from jute plant work to enhance fertility of soil.

When contacted, DAE additional deputy director Bishnupada Shaha said this year favorable weather is prevailing for jute cultivation. "We have provided growers with incentive and proper training. We are optimistic to see a bumper yield of jute this season."

Our Gopalganj Correspondent reports said the Gopalganj DAE has taken up the programme of jute cultivation on 24,859 hectares of land. Where probable production target at 16,15, 835 metrictons (MT) under five upazilas in the district, this current year.

According to the DAE, Khamarbari, Gopalganj official sources said Tosha 24,503 hectares, Masta jute 346 hectares & local 10 hectares, where about 1,29,270 farmers involved this farming, sources said.

Solayman Sikder (42), a jute farmer of village Tala under Suktail union of Sadar upazila, said he cultivated jute origin "Tosha" on 3 hectares of land this year, where expending cost about Tk 270,000 if the weather condition remains favorable. "But I will get 210 mounds of jute from it produce. Which market price is taka

735,000," he said.

Md. Mahbub, Sub-Assistant Agricultural Officer (SAAO) of Suktail union block No-9, Kuthibari under sadar upazila said, a total of 520 hectares of land have been brought under jute cultivation in the union. Which maximum origin is Tosha & about 800 farmers involved this farming. He more added, jute farmers in our areas are highly glad due to fair price of its & they are more interested on jute farming, SAAO Md. Mahabub said.

Tuku Molla (50), another jute farmer of village Bonbari under Suktail union of Sadar upazila, said he cultivated jute origin "Tosha" variety on 2 hectares of land this year & its growth condition is satisfactory. "I think if the weather condition remain unchanged but I will get 140 mounds of jute from my field, which current market price is taka 4,90,000. Where expending cost taka 1,80,000 only."

Mafroza Akter, Upazila Agriculture Officer (UAO), sadar told the FE that a total of 5,178 farmers of land have been brought under jute cultivation, this current year. She more added, jute is seasonal favorable cash crop for grows and they get a good economic support from its to sale the markets in crisis period (Rainy season). But jute is a financial helper crop for farmers in this region, UAO said.

Sakayot Sheikh, 45, a jute farmers of village Bonbari under Suktail union of sadar upazila, said he farming jute on one hectare of land origin "Tosha", but last year I got a good profit from this jute cultivation.

"I think this year I will get same profit from my jute farming too. Because my jute growth condition is satisfactory," he added.

Sanjoy Kumar Kundu, additional deputy director (ADD) crop, Khamarbari, Gopalganj, told the FE that constantly monitoring overall progress of jute farming and smoothly supply of agro inputs among the farmers to achieve a total success on jute cultivation.

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