Salvaging jute sector

The lost glory of jute must be revived for the benefit of farmers and in the interest of the national economy

Experts at a farmers' training course held in Domar upazila of Nilphamari recently called for expanding use of the eco-friendly jute products leaving synthetic polyethylene to ensure fair price of the golden fibre. According to a report in this newspaper on Wednesday, they put special emphasis on large-scale adoption of the latest agriculture technologies, including ribbon retting method, at the farmers' levels for upgrading quality and grade of the fibre and boosting jute production.
There was a time when jute held out immense possibilities for farmers of the country. Growers would make their yearly family budgets mainly depending on the returns they would get from the sale of jute produced in their lands. As time rolled on, demand for jute and jute products began to fall pouring cold water into the enthusiasm of the growers. The situation became so precarious that farmers failed to get even the production cost of jute. Deeply frustrated, many growers stopped cultivation of jute and turned to cultivation of other crops. 
Widespread use of polythene bags contributed to the appalling condition of jute and jute products. Considering the dismal plight of farmers and for salvaging the jute industry from the dire strait the government has taken some pragmatic measures. Ban on production and use of polythene bags put a brake on the invasion of polythene bags but use of jute bags and jute products which is environment-friendly is yet to be introduced in a remarkable way. 
There is no alternative to ensuring fair price of jute for the benefit of the growers. Farmers should be provided with special incentives. Quality seeds, easy-term bank loan for buying agricultural inputs such as fertilizer and pesticides can encourage farmers. If fair price is ensured growers will not turn away from jute cultivation. Use of jute bags has been made mandatory. More such measures should be taken to salvage the jute sector. But unfortunately many state-owned jute mills were shut down rendering thousands of workers unemployed.  
RMG sector has contributed to the growth of the national economy considerably. Jute sector can also play a vital role in poverty alleviation. What is needed is due patronage by the state. The Agriculture Ministry, the Department of Agriculture Extension and BJMC can play vital roles in this regard. Mere rhetoric will not do; concrete action is needed. Building up public awareness for increasing use of jute bags and other jute products can help achieve the desired goal. The lost glory of jute must be revived for the benefit of farmers and in the interest of the national economy. 

 

Salvaging jute sector

The lost glory of jute must be revived for the benefit of farmers and in the interest of the national economy

Experts at a farmers training course held in Domar upazila of Nilphamari recently called for expanding use of the eco-friendly jute products leaving synthetic polyethylene to ensure fair price of the golden fibre. According to a report in this newspaper on Wednesday, they put special emphasis on large-scale adoption of the latest agriculture technologies, including ribbon retting method, at the farmers levels for upgrading quality and grade of the fibre and boosting jute production. There was a time when jute held out immense possibilities for farmers of the country. Growers would make their yearly family budgets mainly depending on the returns they would get from the sale of jute produced in their lands. As time rolled on, demand for jute and jute products began to fall pouring cold water into the enthusiasm of the growers. The situation became so precarious that farmers failed to get even the production cost of jute. Deeply frustrated, many growers stopped cultivation of jute and turned to cultivation of other crops. Widespread use of polythene bags contributed to the appalling condition of jute and jute products. Considering the dismal plight of farmers and for salvaging the jute industry from the dire strait the government has taken some pragmatic measures. Ban on production and use of polythene bags put a brake on the invasion of polythene bags but use of jute bags and jute products which is environment-friendly is yet to be introduced in a remarkable way. There is no alternative to ensuring fair price of jute for the benefit of the growers. Farmers should be provided with special incentives. Quality seeds, easy-term bank loan for buying agricultural inputs such as fertilizer and pesticides can encourage farmers. If fair price is ensured growers will not turn away from jute cultivation. Use of jute bags has been made mandatory. More such measures should be taken to salvage the jute sector. But unfortunately many state-owned jute mills were shut down rendering thousands of workers unemployed. RMG sector has contributed to the growth of the national economy considerably. Jute sector can also play a vital role in poverty alleviation. What is needed is due patronage by the state. The Agriculture Ministry, the Department of Agriculture Extension and BJMC can play vital roles in this regard. Mere rhetoric will not do; concrete action is needed. Building up public awareness for increasing use of jute bags and other jute products can help achieve the desired goal. The lost glory of jute must be revived for the benefit of farmers and in the interest of the national economy.