Jute is a traditional product of Bangladesh. Bengal's farmers have grown it for a very long time, and it is called the golden fibre. Over the ages this cash crop has brought the country fame around the world. Bangladesh's location, climate and land make it better suited to growing jute than any other country.

According to the Agriculture Information Service, the country now has 4 million jute farmers, and 12 per cent of the total workforce is involved in jute production. In the 2020-21 fiscal year jute and jute goods became the country's second-largest export sector.

Bangladesh exports raw jute to India, China, Europe, the Middle East, Russia, America, Thailand, Vietnam and many other countries. Jute contributes 0.26 to GDP and 1.14 per cent to the agriculture sector. Jute grown in Bangladesh is of better quality than that of other countries.

The jute industry was once the country's main export sector, earning more than any other. Adamjee Jute Mills, the world's largest jute mill, is in Bangladesh, though it is now closed. The industry's glory has faded somewhat for various reasons, but new hope has arisen.

More than one trillion tonnes of polythene are used in the world every year, threatening the global environment. Experts are placing special emphasis on using biodegradable and renewable goods, and plastic and polythene have been banned in Europe and several other countries. Because jute decomposes easily, the golden fibre offers a promising future at a time of plastic and polythene aggression.

Germany, France, Italy, the United States and several other countries are now paying more attention to natural fibres, and Bangladesh could easily seize jute's place on the world market by taking this chance. Jute has already begun to be used in the interiors of several luxury cars. Bangladesh's high-quality jute is also used in electronic goods, computer bodies, aircraft parts and sports goods.

There is international demand for jute sticks, too. Charcoal made from jute sticks is used to make photocopier ink, carbon paper, lithium batteries and fireworks. The World Health Organization has recommended jute bags to avoid plastic products and protect the environment. According to a survey by the International Jute Study Group, the world needs 500 billion jute sacks or bags a year. If more golden jute bags can be exported with this in mind, Bangladesh can easily capture the world market through jute.

Nothing from jute goes to waste. If its use can be maximised, jute could one day be the magic wand that changes our fortunes. Tea made from dried jute leaves has already caused a stir. There is also wide demand for jute clothing, saris, lungis, fatuas, men's and women's sandals, baskets, mats, suits, sweaters, jute denim, shikas (hanging holders), carpets, showpieces, yarn and other jute goods.

Some 282 jute products made in Bangladesh are now proudly exported to about 135 countries. In the 2020-21 fiscal year jute and jute goods worth $116.14 lakh were exported, 31 per cent more than the previous year. After ready-made garments, jute is one of the country's most promising sectors, and it will go further with government and private support.

The blood, sweat and dreams of our ancestors are bound up with jute. If jute production can be increased and proper marketing and use ensured, it will create jobs, strengthen the economy and bring the country honour and foreign currency.

Source: Ittefaq. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.