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Low prices frustrate jute farmers in Mymensingh

AMINUL Islam, Mymensingh
Low prices of jute have frustrated growers in Mymensingh.
Two types of jute, locally known as deshi and tosha, are available in the market, and are selling at Tk 750-1,200, down from Tk 1,800-2,200 a maund (40kg) last year, depending on quality.
Abul Kalam, a farmer of Bishka village, said he harvested an average four maunds from cultivating 2 kathasofland.
"I sold my produce at Tk 885 a maund," said Kalam. "But I am set to lose Tk 500-600 per katha if jute prices do not increase.”
He said he might opt away from jute production next season if that happens.
Suruj Ali, a farmer of village Char Bhawanipur, said he cultivated jute on 10 kathas of land in 2010, and got a good profit. But low prices in the last
two years have ruined his hope for better business this year. He has sold four maunds of low-quality jute for Tk 900 a maund so far.
Abu Hanif, a sharecropper of village Char Iswardia in Sadar, said he sold jute for Tk 750 a maund as the quality of his produce was not good.
"It is a serious loss for me and all my hard work has been in vain."
Growers at the market said production was comparatively good this year and they spent Tk 800-900 for each maund of harvest, as the cost of daily labour has gone up.
Habibur Rahman, a businessman at Shambhuganj Bazar, he was buying jute at Tk 750-1,200 depending on quality, which is lower than last year.
The government purchase centres are yet to start work, which is disappointing farmers further.
Every year the government fixes purchase rates early in the season, but it has not done so yet. It will affect
farmers and businessmen as well, said Mahtab Uddin Bepari, another trader.
A chronological overview of jute trends shows a decrease in jute farming in the district over the last 12 years.
Farmers used 9,570 hectares for jute cultivation in the district this year but the targets were not achieved, according to data from the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).
The cultivation was 2,363 hectares less than the last year.
Narayan Chandra Basak, deputy director of DAE, said the DAE distributed good quality jute seeds and fertilisers among the farmers to inspire them this season. The production will be close to the target this year, the official said.
Farmers cannot get reasonable prices for their produce without improving its quality, Basak said.