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Although jute farmers in Rajshahi received good prices at the beginning of the season, they are now in distress due to a sudden drop in market prices. At the Naohata jute market in Paba Upazila, the price of jute has decreased by approximately 800 to 1,000 Taka per maund within two weeks. This has left farmers anxious about covering their production costs and achieving their desired profit.
On Monday and Thursday mornings, farmers from various surrounding areas gathered at the Naohata market with freshly cut and processed jute, brought by vans, nosimons, and bhatbhatis. However, many farmers returned home without selling their jute as they did not receive the expected prices.
According to market insiders, just two weeks ago, jute was selling for 4,000 to 4,500 Taka per maund, depending on its quality. Currently, the price for the same quality of jute has fallen to approximately 3,200 to 3,500 Taka. Consequently, farmers’ income per maund of jute has significantly decreased in a short period.
Saiful Islam, a farmer from Padma Char area of Paba Upazila, brought 65 maunds of jute to the market this time. He had previously sold jute of similar quality at 4,000 Taka per maund. Expressing frustration over the current market price, he said, “The price I sold jute for a few days ago is much lower now. Cultivation costs have increased, and if jute prices fall like this, farmers won’t make any profit.”
Babu, a farmer from Darusha area, faced a similar situation. He came to Naohata market with about 149 kg (approx. 4 maunds) of jute and was offered 3,400 Taka per maund by traders. Dissatisfied with the price, he took his jute back home without selling it. He stated, “Last time I sold jute for 4,000 Taka per maund. I was hoping for a similar price this time, but the traders offered a lower price, so I didn’t sell it, fearing a loss. I have more jute at home; I will bring it to the market if the price increases slightly.”
Salman Ali, a farmer from Kesorhat in Mohanpur, also returned with his jute for the same reason. Despite bringing four and a half maunds of good quality jute, he was hoping for 4,000 Taka per maund. As traders offered a maximum of 3,500 Taka, he left without selling.
Farmers complain that a section of traders are trying to buy jute at lower prices by exploiting the arrival of new jute in the market. This results in very little profit for farmers compared to their production costs and labor. They also fear that prices may fall further in the middle of the season as supply increases. However, traders state that the main reason for the market price drop is increased supply. Milon Ali, a jute trader in Naohata, said, “In mid-July, the supply of jute in the market was low, so we had to buy at higher prices. Now, with new jute entering the market, supply has increased. Naturally, prices have decreased somewhat. Many traders also have stock of jute bought at previous higher prices.”
Amal Das, the leaseholder of Naohata Jute Market, informed that jute buying and selling take place at the market every Monday and Thursday morning from dawn until 8 AM. On average, about 2,000 maunds of jute are transacted at each market day. Currently, jute prices range from 3,200 to 3,500 Taka, depending on quality. Nadim Akter, Assistant Director of the Jute Directorate, Rajshahi, stated that jute prices primarily depend on market demand and supply. Currently, there is no government-fixed purchase price for jute. The presence of several jute mills in the Naohata area also influences local market prices based on their purchasing volume. If mills buy more jute, demand increases, and if they buy less, it impacts the market.
He further added that this year, Rajshahi has the potential to produce approximately 381,696 quintals of jute. Last year, the production was 360,494 quintals, indicating a potential increase of about 21,202 quintals this year. Mohammad Nasir Uddin, Deputy Director of the Rajshahi Agricultural Extension Directorate, said that jute was cultivated on 18,399 hectares in the district this season, compared to 17,305 hectares last year, an increase of 1,094 hectares. Farmers cultivating early varieties received good prices. However, when a large quantity of jute enters the market simultaneously, there is a possibility of prices dropping due to increased supply.
With a good yield, jute farmers had hoped for relief this season. But the market price drop has dashed those hopes. Now, farmers demand that a fair market price for jute be ensured, considering their production costs, so that they do not face losses despite a good harvest.
