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This season, farmers in Natore are reaping the benefits of an uninterrupted water supply, which has facilitated the jute retting process. Nearly all the jute fields have already been harvested and retted, with many farmers having completed the drying and storing of the golden fibre.
However, in some areas, the processes of harvesting, fibre extraction, washing, and sun-drying are still ongoing.
With lower costs for retting and favourable market conditions, farmers in Natore are optimistic about making a good profit this season. The district’s farmers are indeed dreaming of golden returns from the golden fibre.
According to the Natore Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the target for jute cultivation this season was set at 28,642 hectares. Of this, 2,050 hectares were cultivated in Natore Sadar Upazila, 1,650 hectares in Naldanga Upazila, 1,550 hectares in Singra Upazila, 4,050 hectares in Gurudaspur Upazila, 9,662 hectares in Baraigram Upazila, 6,865 hectares in Lalpur Upazila, and 2,815 hectares in Bagatipara Upazila.
So far, jute has been harvested from 27,735 hectares in the district, yielding an impressive 66,916 tonnes. Rentu, a local trader, said that the price of jute currently ranges from Tk 2,400 to Tk 3,100 per maund, depending on quality.
Zayed Mridha, a farmer from Bhatodara village in Natore Sadar Upazila, cultivated jute on one bigha of land this season. With ample water in the fields, he was able to avoid additional costs for extra labour or transportation for retting.
He noted that the fibre quality has turned out to be excellent, and with a yield of approximately eight maunds per bigha, he is hopeful for a significant profit.
Similarly, Jarip, a farmer from Basudebpur village in Naldanga Upazila, cultivated jute on 10 kathas of land. He expects to make a profit of Tk 8,000 to Tk 9,000 after covering all expenses, even at the current market prices.
Abdul Wadud, deputy director of the Natore Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), confirmed that farmers did not face any water shortages during the retting process this season.
“Had there been any water shortages, the farmers would have had to bear the extra costs of transporting jute to distant water sources, but this year, they were spared that expense,” he said. With sufficient water available, the jute fibres are of high quality, fetching good prices in the market, he added.
Wadud further said that the average yield per bigha was eight to nine maunds, and with favourable market prices, farmers are making substantial profits.
“Encouraged by this season's success, I hope more farmers will opt to cultivate jute next year,” he added.
