Better jute production likely in Rangpur region
BSS
RANGPUR: The farmers and officials concerned are expecting a better jute production despite a shortfall in the farming target as the tender plants are growing excellent in Rangpur agriculture region this season, reports BSS.
Talking to BSS today, officials of the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) said that harvest of the fibre crop would begin from the middle of this month in the region.
The DAE has fixed a target of producing 6.83-lakh bales of jute from 61,625 hectares of land for Rangpur, Kurigram, Gaibandha, Nilphamari and Lalmonirhat districts in the region this year.
The fixed target include production of 6.33-lakh bales of Tosha variety of 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.
However, the farmers have finally cultivated jute on 49,657 hectares of land, less by 11,968 hectares or 19.42 percent than the fixed farming target this season.
The farmers have cultivated Tosha variety of jute on 45,881 hectares, Deshi variety on 3,361 hectares and Mechta variety on 415 hectares of land in five districts, said Horticulture Specialist of DAE at its regional office Khondker Md Mesbahul Islam.
The target could not be achieved due to crisis of quality seed, excessive rainfalls during seed sowing period in April last, cultivation of Aus rice and maize on more lands, he said.
Deputy Director at its regional office Md Moniruzzaman predicted an excellent production of jute fibre despite shortfall in the cultivation target in the region this season.
Talking to BSS, farmers Neyamatullah, Ariful Haque and Sunil Chandra of different villages here said they were taking proper care of growing tender jute plants on their fields with a hope of bumper output.
