MYMENSINGH, July 6: Jute cultivation target in the greater Mymensingh region could not be achieved in the current season as growers showed less interest to cultivate the crop on their land, reports UNB.

According to the Agriculture Extension Department, only 62.690 hectares of land in five districts of the region have been brought under Jute cultivation for the current year against the target of 84,762 hectares.

Of the total land. 13.720 hectares have been cultivated in Mymensingh district. 10,350 hectares in Netrakona. 15,390 hectares in Jamalpur. and 6,730 hectares in Sherpur. But in the Kishorganj district. Jute was cultivated on 16,500 hectares of land against the target of 15,545 hectares.

Farmers of the region expressed disappointment that despite growing demand of the golden fibre' in the region, they do not get the fair price of Jute due to Tack of government pa-tronisation. Finding no other way out,' they arc loarcd to produce paddy on theu'Mnd.

We can't cover our production cost cultivating Jute, but make a good profit by producing boro paddy or other crops on the same land. Now we cultivate Jute only to meet our household demand." said Abdul Mannaf of village Kalapara In Nandall thana.

The farmers here also said that the government should take Immediate steps to patronise the cultivation, ensuring fair price of the crop.