, Aug. 28 -- Jute farmers in Lalmonirhat are facing a difficult season as lower-than-expected yields and uncertainty over market prices raise fears of further losses.

Farmers fear that unless they receive a fair price that covers their production costs, many of them may lose interest in cultivating the "golden fibre" next year after suffering losses in recent seasons.

Jute has been cultivated this year in the char areas and villages of Aditmari, Kaliganj, Hatibandha, Patgram and Sadar upazilas of the district.

Farmers have shown particular interest in cultivating jute on unused and flood-prone land along the Teesta, Dharla and Saniajan rivers, as well as on some higher lands. Many have also planted jute on land where rice and other cro...