Jute cutting is now in full swing across the fields of Sharsha, Jashore. Across the green fields, farmers are busy bundling stalks in some spots and preparing for retting in others. Favourable weather and government incentives brought a record area of jute cultivation in Sharsha this season. But even as farmers bring in the golden fibre, there is little joy on their faces — rising production costs have left them deeply uncertain about getting the price they expect in the market.
According to the upazila agriculture office, jute was cultivated on 5,503 hectares this season, 503 hectares more than last year. With favourable weather, farmers are expecting yields of 10 to 16 maunds per bigha. But rather than celebrating the good harvest, farmers are more preoccupied with the rising costs of labour, fuel and transport.
Jute farmers Abdul Halim and Rafiqul Islam of the Bagachhara area said costs had multiplied at every stage, from sowing seed to washing the fibre. If they don’t get a fair price, they said, farmers will end up in debt.
Local trader Mozammel Hossain said that without storage facilities, farmers are forced to sell their jute cheaply at the start of the season, an opportunity middlemen exploit. Some farmers, he said, are trying to offset their losses by selling jute sticks instead.
Upazila agriculture officer Dipak Kumar Saha said farmers are being supported with incentives and advice to produce quality fibre. If fibre quality remains good, he said, he is hopeful farmers will be able to secure a fair price in the market.