Gaibandha farmers turn away from jute cultivation due to years of financial loss.
Farmers say they invest heavily in seeds, fertiliser, labour, harvesting, retting and drying, only to face disappointing returns at the market.
Although jute prices in local markets have increased this season, most farmers say they missed the opportunity as they were forced to sell earlier at much lower rates to repay debts.
Gaibandha Department of Agricultural Extension reports that jute acreage has declined for six consecutive years in the district, falling from 15,000 hectares in 2021 to 13,790 hectares in 2024, with only a marginal rise of 32 hectares in the current fiscal year, still short of targets.
“Now the price is good, but we do not have jute at home,” said Fulchhari char farmer Mati Mia, adding he had sold his crop at Tk 2,800 per maund to settle debts during harvest.
Jute has been selling at Tk 3,900 to Tk 4,200 per maund in recent weeks, up from Tk 2,500 to Tk 2,700 just over a month ago, but most growers missed the higher price.
Local growers allege that mill owners and middlemen form a syndicate that manipulates prices, buying cheaply during peak season and then raising rates when supplies tighten.
“Fertiliser, seeds and labour cost a lot now, and we still face flood and drought risks,” said farmer Sobahan Mia from Konchipara, adding that char areas have few crop options.
Nazmul Hossain from the same village said the absence of guaranteed procurement leaves them vulnerable.
“If the government bought jute from us at the beginning of the season, we could survive,” he said. “Now we are at the mercy of the syndicate.”
Wholesalers, however, argue they do not control pricing and must follow instructions from large mill authorities in Dhaka.
“We only buy locally, but the price is fixed by mill owners,” said Fulchhari market wholesaler Shah Alam.
Gaibandha Department of Agricultural Extension deputy director Atikul Islam said two thousand farmers received seeds and fertiliser this year to encourage cultivation. He said farmers will return to jute cultivation if they can earn fair value for their crop.
