The Fabric of Heritage

There is no question that the jute industry was the lifeline of our economy for decades, and continues to be one of the backbones of our rural economy even now. The importance of jute can never be exaggerated as it is a major income source for thousands of farmers across the country. Their livelihoods depend on jute-related activities, including cultivation, harvesting and domestic marketing. To make this industry thrive, there are haats (markets) that spring up in rural areas outside the city once a month during this season, starting from July to October.

In Manikganj, around 10 such haats are open for business during the season. The sellers pick one Saturday of the month to begin operating the market, and stay for four days. This year, the yield was better than the last and the farmers too have been making profits, selling one maund (40 kilograms) of jute for Tk1,800. The growers first harvest the jute and take it home to dry. They then take their bundles to the haat, from where different businessmen and jute mill authorities buy their lots.

Photo: Anisur Rahman