Rising jute prices cheer farmers in Rajshahi

RAJSHAHI, Sept 21: Jute farmers in Rajshahi are enjoying windfall gains this season, as prices remain significantly higher than last year, driven by strong demand from both domestic mills and international buyers.
At the Noahata market-one of the largest jute trading hubs in the region-trading begins at dawn twice a week. Trucks, vans, and locally modified vehicles arrive loaded with golden fibre. Farmers say jute mills are now purchasing directly from growers, reducing the influence of middlemen and ensuring better prices.
Currently, raw jute is selling for between Tk 3,600 and Tk 3,900 per maund, compared to Tk 2,600-2,800 during the same period last year.
Although prices dipped slightly last week to Tk 3,750-3,800, farmers remain satisfied with their profit margins.
Mamonur Rashid, a farmer from Puthiapara, said he sold 22 maunds at Tk 3,600 per maund. After deducting production costs of around Tk 20,000 per bigha, he earned a net profit of Tk 16,000-18,000.
Another grower from Char Khidirpur reported a profit of Tk 50,000 from three bighas, as higher yields combined with better prices significantly boosted returns.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), jute was cultivated on 17,305 hectares of land in Rajshahi this year-exceeding the target by 120 hectares. Adequate rainfall ensured smooth retting, with average yields reaching 9-10 maunds per bigha.
Officials said five jute mills in the district are now buying directly from farmers. Larger mills like Rahman Jute Spinners in Puthia-which has a daily production capacity of 100 tons-are playing a key role in stabilising market prices.
Shahana Akter Jahan, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Marketing in Rajshahi, said the government is monitoring markets to ensure that farmers receive fair prices. "We have instructed local committees to prevent traders from artificially lowering rates," she said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Jute stated that stricter enforcement of the Mandatory Jute Packaging Act is boosting domestic consumption.
"Mobile courts are operating against violators, while accurate market information is being shared with growers," said Assistant Director Md. Nadim Akter.
DAE Deputy Director Umme Salma said favourable weather and strong market demand have placed farmers in a "profitable position" this year. "On average, farmers are making more than Tk 12,000 profit per bigha," she added.
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