Jute harvesting in the Khulna agricultural region has been completed. Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Sept 4, 2025 (BSS) - Jute harvesting in the Khulna agricultural region has been completed fully by September 2, with farmers achieving 96.01 percent of the cultivation target despite losses caused by heavy rainfall.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), jute was cultivated on 38,268 hectares of land across Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira and Narail districts against the target of 39,857 hectares. The crop produced 79,815.7 metric tonnes of jute in total.

Of the overall yield, farmers harvested 201.6 tonnes of local jute, 79,566.5 tonnes of tosha variety and 47.6 tonnes of mesta jute. 

By district, production stood at 2,774 tonnes in Khulna, 4,776 tonnes in Bagerhat, 25,630 tonnes in Satkhira and 57,955 tonnes in Narail. The average yield was 2.086 tonnes per hectare, DAE officials said.

Farmers and agriculture officials said the favourable market price of jute, both locally and internationally, along with government incentives, encouraged growers to expand cultivation this season. 

Despite minor crop damage due to rains, farmers expressed satisfaction with the overall yield.

"Jute cultivation not only ensures good returns but also improves soil fertility and boosts grain production," Additional Director of DAE Khulna zone Rafiqul Islam told BSS. 

He said the government has been providing incentives under the 'Advanced Technology-Based Jute and Jute Seed Expansion Project' to train farmers in modern cultivation methods and the use of fertilizers.

He added that demand for environment-friendly jute fibre and jute products has grown significantly at home and abroad, further motivating farmers to increase production.

The DAE said the target could not be achieved as 1,589 hectares of land remained uncultivated after being damaged by heavy rains during the season.