Bangladesh will be self-sufficient in jute seed production in 3 years: Razzaque

Bangladesh will be self-sufficient in jute seed production in the next three years, said Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque.

"We want to be self-sufficient for jute seeds rather than depending on other countries. To this end, the agriculture ministry has formulated a roadmap," he said while addressing a discussion on the occasion of Jute Day at Osmani Auditorium today.

The minister said India exports jute seeds to Bangladesh at a cheap rate after cultivating those in its barren lands. "Our farmers are not interested in cultivating jute seeds in comparison to other crops. But our scientists at Jute Research Institute has already developed an improved variety of jute seed which is much better than India."

"Works are underway to popularise the seed among the farmers. We hope that Bangladesh will be self-sufficient in jute seed production in the next three years," Razzaque said adding that jute seeds will no longer have to be imported from India after three years.

He said the production of jute has increased almost double in the last 12 years due to various steps of the government. Now 17 lakh tonnes of jute are produced which was only 10 lakh tonnes in the 2005-2006 fiscal year, he added.

The minister also urged the Indian government not to impose an inti-duping duty on jute. "We have urged India many times not to impose an anti-dumping duty. But they do not pay heed to the calls."

But the government is working to increase the production and export of jute by giving utmost importance so that it can be possible to sustain in competition with India, Razzaque said.

The minister also said that the demand for jute and jute products are gradually increasing in both local and international markets.

If the potential for export of vegetables and fruits can be fully utilized with the potential of jute, the export income of agricultural products will exceed $10 billion soon, he added.

Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi was present as a special guest at the event.

In the programme, 11 persons were honoured with National Jute Award in different categories.