Farmers have succeeded in producing jute seeds in Damurhuda of Chuadanga. They are also benefiting from being able to produce these seeds at low cost and less labor. Rachna Ali, a farmer from Laxmipur village in the upazila becomes popular by producing jute seeds this year.
He has produced jute seeds in 3.75 bighas of land. According to the Upazila Jute Department, 50 farmers have cultivated 105 acres of land in Damurhuda Upazila for seed production. The seeds produced by the farmers are being bought by the Upazila Jute Department at a price of Tk 8,000 per quintal. In the meantime, many farmers have sold their produced seeds.
Rachna Ali, a farmer from Laxmipur village, said, “It does not take much labor and cost to produce jute seeds. Seeds have been produced on his 14 maund in 3.75 bighas
of land.
Seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and spray-machines have been provided free of cost by the Upazila Jute Department for cultivating this land. He also spent Tk 40,000 on irrigation, fertilizers and pesticides. Seeds have been sold for more than Tk 1.13 excluding all expenses, his profit was Tk 73,600.”
Chakbar Ali of the same village and Shawkat Ali, a farmer of Hemayetpur village, said, “They both cultivated three bighas. Their plants were very good. But after flowering, due to rain, their yield has largely declined. Chakbar Ali’s three bighas of land cost Tk 30,000. Seed production was six maund 35 kg and Sold for Tk 55000. Excluding all expenses, his profit was Tk 25000.
Similarly, Shawkat Ali's seed production was six maund 33 kg and sold at Tk 54,600. Apart from the cost, the profit was around Tk 22,000.
Reazul Islam, Deputy Assistant Jute Development Officer of the Upazila Jute Department, said, “Mid- September to October is the best time for sowing seed production. Those who have sown this crop in three months at the right time have got good yield. Late sown farmers have suffered a lot due to rains.
When flowering started, their yield decreased due to rain. Due to this their profit has been less. There is no problem in selling seeds. We are officially buying at Tk 200 per kg.”
Upazila Agriculture Officer Moniruzzaman said, “Jute seed production is increasing in the upazila. We are regularly visiting the fields of these farmers. Farmers are being given all kinds of advice.”