, April 25 -- Faridpur, known as Bangladesh' jute capital,is facing a looming setback in jute production as farmers struggle with an acute shortage of diesel during the crucial sowing season.

The shortfall in fuel coupled with irregular electricity supply, has disrupted irrigation activities across the district, raising fears that jute output may be affected this season.

However, agricultural officials remain cautiously optimistic, saying a couple of spells of heavy rainfall could ease the crisis.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Faridpur, the target for jute cultivation in the current Rabi season has been set at 87,000 hectares.

Farmers typically begin sowing jute seeds immediately after harvesting onion...