The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Barisal

A total of 1,23,855 hectares of land was brought under massive jute cultivation in 11 southern districts under Barisal Agriculture Extension Zone (BAEZ) during the current season.

According to an official source, of the total, 5,649 hectares was brought under high yielding variety of local jute while 1,18,206 hectares under Tosha variety of jute. The production target has been fixed at 16,33,986 bales of best quality of raw jute in the zone this season.

Of the total, altogether 2,035 hectares were cultivated in Barisal district, 50 hectares in Pirojpur district, 151 hectares in Jhalakathi district, 97 hectares in Patuakhali district, five hectares in Barguna district, 271 hectares in Bhola district, 50,677 hectares in Faridpur district, 17,460 hectares in Madaripur district, 11,465 hectares in Gopalgonj district, 26,070 hectares in Rajbari district and 15,574 hectares in Shariatpur district, the source added.

Bangladesh Agriculture Development Corporation (BADC) distributed about 30 lakh kgs of jute seeds among the farmers for making the programme a success.

Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) set up several demonstration plots for apprising the farmers of the modern method of jute cultivation in the zone.

Besides, BADC distributed fertilizers, insecticides and other inputs among the farmers for boosting the jute production.

Different government and commercial banks disbursed necessary loans among the small and marginal farmers as a support for enhancing the jute cultivation.