MAGURA, July 11: Local farmers are expecting bumper production of jute as heavy rain has occurred recently as a boon for the farming of the "golden fibre".
A drought-like situation was prevailing in the district a few days ago, but at the very beginning of July this district witnessed 103-mm rainfall from July 1 to 8.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Magura, farmers have brought 34,087 hectares of land into jute cultivation with a target of 486,642 bales.
Nabib Ali, a farmer of Dharla village in Magura Sadar Upazila, said, "I've brought 03 bigha of land into jute cultivation. But I was worried over its production due to drought in the district."
"But adequate rainfall has occurred as a boon for my jute cultivation this month. Now I expect a bumper production of 35 maunds of jute."
Another farmer, Sayed Ali, of Kukila village under the same upazila said, "I have brought my 02 bigha of land into jute cultivation. Meanwhile, I have irrigated my jute field two times due to the drought."
"But recent rain has relived me of irrigation. Moreover, jute fields have taken a fresh look after getting the rainwater," he added.
Another farmer, Golam Reza, of Binadpur village under Mohammadpur Upazila of Magura said the district is witnessing heavy rain from the beginning of July, which is helpful to boost its production.
"The rain has flooded local water bodies which will be used for jute rotting," the jute grower said.
When contacted, DAE official Dr Md Yashin Kabir said the recent rain has come as a boon for jute farming. "Now we expect a good yield."
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