RANGPUR, May 06, 2018 (BSS) – The process of sowing jute seed is nearing completion amid favourable climatic condition in all five districts under Rangpur agriculture region this season.
Officials of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) said the farmers have already completed sowing of jute seed in 43,750 hectares of land, around 71 percent of the fixed target of cultivating the crop on 61,625 hectares of land this season.
The farmers are now sowing jute seed in full swing to achieve the fixed target of bringing 61,625 hectares of land under its cultivation to produce 6.82-lakh bales of the fibre this season in the region.
The farmers will produce 6.33-lakh bales of ‘Tosha’ variety jute fibre from 56,300 hectares of land, 49,191 bales of ‘Deshi’ variety fibre from 5,295 hectares and 253 bales of ‘Mechta’ variety of jute from 30 hectares of land in Rangpur region this season.
Talking to BSS today, Horticulture Specialist of DAE at its regional office Khondker Md Mesbahul Islam sowing of jute seed got momentum following frequent rainfalls in recent weeks.
“The farmers will continue to sow jute seed till May 15 next to achieve the fixed farming target,” he said adding that the framers are showing more interest in farming of the fibre after getting its repeated bumper production and lucrative price in recent years.
He said jute cultivation started becoming popular again among the farmers after the present government declared jute as the national agricultural product and made use of jute sacs mandatory in various sectors.
DAE’s Deputy Director at its regional office here Md Moniruzzaman said Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation, recommended government and non-government organisations and dealers supplied high quality jute seed to the farmers this season.
He said sowing of jute seed would complete soon amid favorable climatic condition for cultivation of the crop in Rangpur, Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat and Nilphamari districts under the region.
“We have taken adequate steps and the field level officials are extending assistance to the farmers in making the jute cultivation programme successful in the region this season,” Moniruzzaman added.
Talking to BSS, farmers Abdul Jalil, Ivy Begum and Lokman Ali of different villages under Mominpur union of Sadar upazila in Rangpur said they have already sowed jute seed in their crop lands.
“We are taking care of the growing tender jute plants and cleaning weeds on our crop lands now,” said jute grower Isahaque Ali of village Kathihara under Rangpur Sadar upazila.