Middlemen benefit out of high jute price in Magura market

MAGURA, Oct 15: Jute price is going over the roof in Magura. Jute is being sold in the local market at high price. But the profit is going to the pockets of middlemen rather than to the farmers.

Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Magura informed, total of 28570 hectares of land was brought under jute cultivation in the district and a total of 27,9550 bales of jute has been produced in the district.

During a visit to Gangnalia, Langolbandh, Shatrijitpur and Binodpur bazaar, jute was seen to be sold at Tk 2000 to 2200 per maund. No farmer was seen selling jute as jute is now under the occupation of middlemen.

When contacted Rahim Biswas, a jute farmer of village Akshi under Magura Sadar Upazila said, "We sold our jute one month ago at Tk 1200 per maund. But the price did not cover our production cost. Now the jute is under control of the middlemen. They are getting the benefit of jute as it now being sold at a high price."

When contacted DAE, Magura deputy director Mokhlesur Rahman dispelled the accusation of making profit only by the middlemen. He told, jute is still under the occupation of the farmers. So they are also getting the benefit of high jute price.

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