Jute farmers in Bangladesh are facing a challenging season as extreme weather conditions and rising costs threaten their livelihoods. This year's harvest has been significantly impacted by heavy rainfall and a prolonged dry spell, leading to shorter plants and lower yields. The situation is particularly dire in the Rangpur region, where rainfall in April and May was nearly three times the optimal amount required for jute cultivation.
Nader Ali Mondal, a farmer from Jadurchar village in Kurigram, expanded his jute cultivation this season after a profitable year last year. However, he now fears losses due to the adverse weather conditions. The heavy rainfall reduced yields, and with market prices not favorable enough, he may not even recover his production costs. This is a common concern among farmers, as many expanded cultivation this season expecting another profitable harvest.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) reports that jute cultivation has increased to 720,000 hectares this year, with a production target of 1.52 million tonnes. However, the adverse weather conditions have led to shorter plants and lower yields, cutting yields by 40 to 60 kilograms per bigha. This has significantly reduced farmers' profit prospects, as higher fertiliser, pesticide, and labour costs further squeeze their margins.
The situation is particularly dire in Faridpur and Rajbari, two leading jute-producing districts. A prolonged dry spell forced farmers to irrigate repeatedly, but fuel shortages limited irrigation. Heavy rainfall before harvest then caused widespread lodging, forcing premature harvesting. Farmers in these districts are bracing for financial losses this season, as lower yields and rising production costs have pushed costs to record levels.
Agricultural experts and officials urge the development of climate-resilient jute varieties, improved field drainage, and stronger extension services to protect farmers' incomes and sustain the long-term competitiveness of Bangladesh's jute sector. The vulnerability of traditional cash crops to climate variability is a growing concern, and the situation highlights the need for adaptation and resilience in the face of increasingly erratic rainfall patterns.
Farmers are struggling to survive as they incur losses on almost every crop. Amzad Hossain, a farmer from Char Mahipur village in Rangpur's Gangachara upazila, lost money on potatoes, barely recovered costs from paddy, and now faces declining maize prices and lower jute yields. The situation is dire, and farmers are calling for support and adaptation measures to ensure their livelihoods are protected in the face of extreme weather events and rising costs.
