Framers in 10 districts of the southwestern region are in an upbeat mood as they expect bumper jute production this season due to favourable weather condition.Agriculture officials here said the jute yield in the districts will cross its target amid increased cultivation acreage.As the market price of the harvested jute seems to be good, the jute farmers this time expect a better return.Sources at Khulna Agriculture Extension Department (DAE) said a target was set to produce some 22,11,552 bales of jute from 2,03,063 hectares of land in the 10 districts this season, but farmers cultivated jute on more lands against the DAE’s target.Tusher Kranti Biswas, a local agriculture officer, said jute growers on an average have to spend Tk 10,000 on cultivation of jute per hectare of land and they get 50 maunds of jute, worth Tk 75000-80000, per hectare.M Jahangir Hossain, an official of Platinum Jubilee Jute Mill in Khalishpur of Khulna, said farmers have started harvesting jute and the new harvest is selling at good prices in the local markets.Jahangir further said Tossa jute (local) is selling at Tk 1550 per maund. -UNB, Khulna
