Letters to theeditor
Jute production
Sir,
It is heartening to note that there has been a good production of jute in different places of the country this year. There was a time when prosperity of farmers was greatly dependent on the fair prices of jute that they would get by selling jute. Farmers would even make the annual family budget depending on the money they were supposed to get from jute sale. But those golden days are no more. Low prices of jute for the past few decades dampened the enthusiasm of farmers to cultivate jute. Out of sheer frustration many farmers stopped cultivation of jute and turned to cultivation of other crops.
The present government has taken some pragmatic measures for bringing back the past glory of jute. Use of jute products is increasing in the country after the imposition of ban on the use of polythene bags. What is needed now is to ensure diversified use of jute. Farmers should also be provided incentives to cultivate jute with renewed enthusiasm. More government jute purchasing centres should be set up for the benefit of jute growers. High quality jute seeds, supply of fertilizers and pesticides at reasonable prices can help boost jute production in the country. But only good production of jute will not do. The government must ensure so that farmers get the remunerative prices of jute. Officials of the Agriculture Extension Department should also monitor the market position of jute from time to time.
A citizen
Dhaka
