Reviving jute means supporting farmers

For years now, we have been speaking of the potential of jute, and for the need to support its production. To that end, that farmers are struggling to receive fair prices for jute after a year of promising yield is disappointing. Jute is not just another crop. It is a national asset, a symbol of rural livelihoods, and a sector with enormous potential for value-added exports. Yet, the farmers who sustain this 'golden fiber" continue to face a market that does not value their work. High production costs, exploitative middlemen, and inconsistent government procurement have created a situation where farmers bear all the risks but receive none of the rewards. The contradiction is glaring. Bangladesh speaks proudly of diversifying exports, expanding jute‑based industries, and promoting eco‑friendly alternatives to plastic. Yet, these ambitions ring hollow when farmers in major producing districts cannot earn enough to survive. It goes without saying that a sector cannot thrive when its foundation is collapsing, and the authorities concerned should treat this moment with urgency. Farmers need fair and predictable prices, not seasonal fluctuations that leave them vulnerable, and need protection from syndicates that manipulate the market. Supporting this industry also means ensuring farmers have access to storage and transport so they are not forced to sell at distress rates. Above all, they need a policy framework that recognizes jute for its present and future importance and supports it accordingly. If Bangladesh wants jute to remain a pillar of its rural economy and export future, it must ensure that the people who grow it are not left behind.