Staff Correspondent, Kishoreganj :
Farmers of the Kishoreganj area are worried about jute cultivation due to severe drought and lack of expected rains as the intense heat is hindering the growth and development of jute in the local fields. If the hostile weather continues for a few more days, they fear that there may be a shortage in production. Besides, the leaves of jute tree are turning yellow due to unknown virus. Local jute farmers have become anxious in the faces of this crisis.
According to Agricultural Extension Department (AED), in Kishoreganj, at least 17,430 hectares of land has been targeted to bring under jute cultivation this year. Of these, Desi jute was targeted to be sown on 1,850 hectares of land, Tosha jute on 7,550 hectares, Kenaf jute on 7,450 hectares and Mesta jute on 580 hectares of land in Kishoreganj district. Meanwhile, Deshi jute seed was sown on 1,630 hectares, Tosha jute on 7,215 hectares, Kenaf jute on 7,180 hectares and Mesta jute on 755 hectares.
According to the source, there was no problem at the beginning as the weather was favorable during the jute cultivation season. However, when the jute of the field started growing up, long drought and heat wave occurred in the region. Local farmers depend on irrigation for most of the land. Scientists at the Jute Research Institute are blaming Indian seeds for the yellowing of jute leaves.
Farmers said that they had almost given up jute cultivation due to falling prices even in the last few years. But they have cultivated more jute this year as they have got better prices in the last few years. But the intense heat is hindering the growth and development of jute in the fields. Added to this is the yellowing of jute leaves.
Abul Kashem, a farmer from Kashorarchar village in Kishoreganj Sadar said he has planted jute on one bigha of land this year.
