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SANGSAD BHABAN, April 26, 2026 (BSS) - The government has undertaken comprehensive and multidimensional short, medium and long-term plan to increase jute production and ensure fair prices at the farmers level, said Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir in Parliament today.

Responding to a scripted question from NCP lawmaker Abdul Hannan Masud (Noakhali-6), the minister said the plan has been formulated in line with the government’s election manifesto, focusing on an integrated and multi-dimensional approach to revitalise the jute sector.

“Priority has been given to increasing the production and supply of high-yielding and improved varieties of jute and jute seeds, expanding modern cultivation technologies, and strengthening farmers’ capacity through enhanced training programmes,” he said.

To this end, a feasibility study project titled “Production and Distribution of Advanced Technology-based Jute and Jute Seeds” has already been undertaken, he added.

“Following completion of the study, implementation of the main project is expected to begin in November 2026,” the minister said.

Under the proposed project, emphasis will be placed on the use of advanced technologies, ensuring the availability of quality seeds, reducing production costs, and improving fibre quality to raise overall productivity.

“These measures will directly contribute to increasing farmers’ income and help stabilise market prices,” he noted.

The minister also informed the House that the Department of Jute is currently implementing an ongoing project titled “Production and Expansion of Advanced Technology-based Jute and Jute Seeds”, which is scheduled for completion in June 2026.

He said future initiatives will be designed based on the evaluation of the achievements and lessons learned from the ongoing project, aiming to adopt more integrated, time befitting and effective interventions.

“As part of this continuous effort, the feasibility study project has been taken up to pave the way for a more integrated programme,” he added.

Muktadir also expressed hope that the implementation of these initiatives would not only increase production and improve quality, but also strengthen market systems, ensure fair prices for farmers, and transform the jute sector into a sustainable, competitive and export-oriented industry.