Jute price tops Tk 4,000 per maund in Rajshahi

Once known as the 'golden fibre' of Bangladesh, jute seems to be regaining its long-lost glory in Rajshahi. On Thursday, the price of raw jute reached a record high at Tk 4,000 per maund across several local markets - the highest in recent memory.

The sharp rise in price has brought cheer to farmers and optimism to traders, signaling a revival in the region's traditional cash crop economy.

Over the past few weeks, bustling jute trading has been reported at Nohata, Kesharhat, Kakonhat, Baneshwar, Taherpur, and Tanore markets.

Alongside local intermediaries, five private jute mills in the district have been directly purchasing raw jute from growers, helping stabilise market demand and prices. Compared to last year, farmers are now earning Tk 1,200-1,500 more per maund, according to traders.

Mukul Ahmed, a jute trader at Nohata Bazar in Paba upazila, said, "Last year, fresh jute sold for Tk2,600 to Tk 2,800 per maund. This year, price has jumped to Tk 3,600-4,000. The market has become vibrant again, and farmers are motivated to increase acreage next season."

Md. Kalam, a grower from Baneshwar in Puthia upazila, shared, "Including seeds, fertilisers, labour and irrigation, and land lease, my total cost per bigha was around Tk 20,000. With favorable weather, I got 9-10 maunds of yield per bigha and made a profit of Tk 16,000-18,000 after costs. Many in my area have made similar gains this season."

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Rajshahi, jute has been cultivated on 17,305 hectares of land this year - exceeding the initial target by 120 hectares. Adequate rainfall during the retting period ensured better fibre colour and quality, while average yields reached 9-10 maunds per bigha.

Ummes Salma, deputy director of the DAE, said, "Favorable weather and attractive market prices have made jute farming profitable this season. Jute remains one of Bangladesh's most promising and sustainable cash crops, with growing domestic and export demand. We're supporting farmers with improved seeds, modern cultivation methods, and pest management."

The Department of Agricultural Marketing (DAM) is also actively monitoring local markets to prevent price manipulation by middlemen.

"We're ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their produce," said ShahanaAkter Jahan, deputy director of DAM.

The Jute Department's Assistant Director, Nadim Akter, noted that the government's enforcement of the Mandatory Packaging in Jute Products Act 2010 and the liberalised raw jute export policy have both helped stabilise domestic prices.

"We are ensuring market information reaches farmers in time and encouraging greater domestic use of jute products," he added.

Rajshahi currently hosts seven jute mills, of which five remain operational.

The largest - Rahman Jute Spinners in Puthia - has a daily production capacity of 100 tonnes, followed by Rahman Jute Mill (20 MT), Hasen Jute Mill (18 MT), Nohata Jute Mill (15 MT), and Aman Jute Fibres (15 MT). The remaining two mills are currently inoperative.

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