Nader Ali Mondal, a farmer from Jadurchar village in Kurigram’s Roumari upazila, expanded jute cultivation from eight to 10 bighas this season after earning good returns last year. But heavy rainfall during April and May reduced yields, and he now fears losses.

The Khulna district, once renowned for its thriving jute cultivation, was home to government-owned jute mills that formed the backbone of its economy.

Falling export of jute and jute goods is now having an effect on jute growers as prices of the natural fibre have fallen during the current harvesting season. 

Jute prices in Bangladesh are currently lower than what they were at the same time last year due to declining exports of twine and yarn made from the natural fibre, according to growers and traders.