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FARIDPUR, Sept 20, 2025 (BSS) - Faridpur, the heartland of jute cultivation 
in the middle of Bangladesh, is reaffirming its status as the nation's jute 
capital with a robust harvest this season. 

Favorable weather conditions and relentless efforts by farmers have led to 
record production of the golden fibre, reinforcing the district's strength 
and its iconic branding: "Sonali Ashe Bhorpur, Bhalobashi Faridpur" (Full of 
golden fibre, we love Faridpur).

This year, jute cultivation in Faridpur exceeded its target, reaching 86,531 
hectares, surpassing the projected 86,525 hectares of land. 

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), over 200,000 
tonnes of jute have been produced, with an estimated market value exceeding 
Taka 2,000 crore.

Agriculturist Md. Shahaduzzaman, deputy director (DD) of the DAE in Faridpur, 
said, "Faridpur has always led in jute production. This year, we've exceeded 
our cultivation targets and expect a bumper yield." 

"If farmers receive fair prices, the entire nation benefits because when 
farmers thrive, the country thrives," he added. 

Experts attributed this success to the region's fertile soil and climate, 
which remain highly conducive to jute farming.

Across Faridpur, farmers are busy harvesting raw jute from vast green fields 
and processing it through retting and fibre extraction. This year's yield has 
further solidified Faridpur's position as one of Bangladesh's leading jute-
producing regions.

Farmers from Boalmari, Madhukhali, and Nagarkanda said that this year's 
abundant rainfall allowed proper retting, resulting in high-quality jute with 
vibrant color. 

They believed that with adequate government backing and fair market rates, 
jute cultivation could expand even further in the coming years.

Although the season began with drought, followed by unexpected heavy rainfall 
that left low-lying areas waterlogged, causing limited damage, most parts of 
the district still saw good yields. The outcome has brought optimism among 
farmers.

Despite the bumper harvest, farmers expressed concern over fair prices, as 
rising costs of seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and labour wages are eroding 
their profits. They urged the government to ensure fair prices and reduce 
input costs.

For the people of Faridpur, locals said, the golden fibre is not only a 
symbol of the district's identity but also of the farmers' livelihood. With 
the right policy and assistance, this proud heritage can be further enriched.

Thanks to abundant jute production, at least 20 jute mills, including Partex 
Jute Mills Ltd, Faridpur Jute Fibres Ltd, Faridpur Zobaida Karim Jute Mills, 
Sharif Jute Mills, Altu Khan Jute Mills, Dahmasi Jute Mills, and Razzak Jute 
Mills Ltd, have sprung up in the region. 

These mills are producing carpets, bags, sacks, threads, ropes, and other 
products that are both eco-friendly and aesthetically appealing.

In addition, a new generation of entrepreneurs, both young and experienced, 
is striving to take jute-based products to global markets. Their efforts have 
not only expanded the market but also enhanced the diversity and appeal of 
jute items. With growing demand, more entrepreneurs are entering the sector, 
contributing to product diversification and quality improvement.

Among their collections are attractive carpets, curtains, cushion covers, 
sofa covers, shoes, sandals, bed sheets, ropes, baskets, bags, and a variety 
of handicrafts and showpieces. Innovative ventures such as jute geo-textiles, 
carpet backing, jute polymers, and the eco-friendly "Sonali Bag" as a 
substitute for polythene have also drawn wide attention.

At any local fair or cultural festival, stalls of jute products invariably 
catch the eyes of visitors, who take delight in buying their favourite items. 
Many also purchase jute-made showpieces as gifts for their loved ones.

With its distinct quality and uniqueness, jute and jute-based products are 
steadily expanding in both scope and popularity.

However, entrepreneurs and mill owners believe more government support is 
essential to ensure the sector's rapid growth. They point out that the high 
cost of production often pushes jute goods beyond the reach of many 
consumers.

They suggested that by expanding the export of jute and jute products, 
foreign currency earnings could increase, thereby strengthening the industry 
and safeguarding entrepreneurs engaged in this traditional yet ever-evolving 
golden fibre sector.