OMPARATIVE ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF TWO JUTE VARIETIES IN FARIDPUR DISTRICT OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

The jute industry has played an important role in the national economy at different times despite facing several problems. Jute is one of the most versatile natural fibers that has been used in raw materials for packaging, textiles, non- textile, construction and agricultural sectors. This study will provide core information on the profitability of two jute varieties (Robi-1 & JRO 524) in Faridpur district. Some economic investigations have conducted on the two jute varieties to identify which variety is more profitable. In total, 100 jute farmers and 60 jute traders were selected purposively for the study. Two villages from bhangga Upazila were purposively selected for this study. Primary data were collected using a face-to-face interviewing method. A structured interview schedule with both closed and open form questions was prepared. Primary data were collected during February to March 2022 through field survey. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Major market actors of jute were farmers, Faria, Bepari, Aratdar, Kutcha baler and Pucca baler in the study area. The result of the study showed that, total cost of producing Robi-1 jute production was found Tk. 94791.78/ha and net revenue from Robi-1 was Tk.91373.84/ha. Total cost of producing JRO 524 jute production was found Tk. 96311.05/ha and net revenue from JRO 524was Tk. 207913.13/ha.The average total profit was found tk. 79.79, tk 10.38, tk 33.51, tk 50.26, and tk 63.47for Faria, Bepari , Aratdar, Kutcha baler and Pucca baler respectively. The study identified that producing JRO 524 jute variety is more profitable than Robi-1 jute variety for farmers in Faridpur district. The study found that the major problem of jute production was high interest rate and farmers need capital with low interest rate.