Production and Scaling-up Jute Seed Production Technology at Farmers’ Level

Jute cultivation in Bangladesh spans 7.44 lakh hectares, yielding 15.02 lakh metric tons. The country needs 5500–6000 metric tons of Jute and Allied Fiber (JAF) seeds annually, but only 20–25% is supplied by BADC and others. To reduce reliance on imports and low-quality seeds, BJRI developed high-yielding varieties and seed production technologies. This project proposes intercropping, top cutting, and seedling methods to enhance seed production while allowing winter crops. Technology validation, field trials, training, field day and farmer engagement will promote BJRI’s high-yielding varieties and seed production technologies over 36 months, ensuring quality seed supply.

The research works will be conducted at six locations of BJRI stations to validate selected technologies. Farmer co-operation will be sought for field trials and motivation activities (training, field day etc.) in each station within the selected seed-growing areas, with the aim of popularizing the package of production methods. Upon the completion of the work, farmers will have the knowledge and capability to independently utilize modern technologies for cultivating tossa jute and kenaf seed.

১ রোপা আমন ধানের সাথে পাট ও পাট জাতীয় ফসলের বীজ উৎপাদন প্রযুক্তি ২ আমন ধানের জমির আইলে রোপণ পদ্ধতিতে পাট ও কেনাফ বীজ উৎপাদন প্রযুক্তি ৩ সবজির সাথে পাট ও পাট জাতীয় ফসলের বীজ উৎপাদন প্রযুক্তি ৪ সবজি জমির আইলে পাট ও কেনাফ বীজ উৎপাদন প্রযুক্তি

The study across multiple locations aims to optimize jute and kenaf seed production alongside T. Aman rice and vegetables (chili, brinjal, tomato). Methods like "One Row (1.5m wide)" and "One or Two Lines along the Border" enhance yield and land use. Farmer training and field day promotes adoption, reducing seed imports, and supporting sustainable seed production. Farmers can efficiently produce jute and kenaf seeds using uncultivated borders or minimal land.

The project boosted farmers' income and productivity by promoting integrated cropping for jute and kenaf seed alongside T. Aman rice and vegetables. Farmers can produce jute and kenaf seeds using borders and minimum land without affecting crop yields. Using 50-60 meters of border in 1 bigha, farmers can produce 0.7-0.8 kg of tossa jute seeds, and 100-120 meters can yield 1.5-2.0 kg of kenaf seeds. This method increased seed yields by 7-15%, improved germination rates, reduced seed costs, and strengthened market linkages, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Post-funding, the project’s sustainability is ensured through collaboration with government programs such as DAE, JD, BADC, and BJRI, as well as partnerships with NGOs and the private sector. By empowering farmers with knowledge and resources, the project promotes self-sufficiency in seed production, ensuring long-term sustainability and reducing reliance on imported jute seeds.