Study on the Cost and Return of Tossa Jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) Cultivation at the Farm Level in Different Areas of Bangladesh

Abstract

This study assessed the cost and return of tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.) cultivation at the farm level in major jute-growing areas of Bangladesh during the 2023 cropping season. Surveys were conducted in Jashore, Manikganj, Rangpur and Faridpur using a purposive sample of 125 active tossa jute farmers. Data on variable and fixed cost components, yields and market prices were collected through structured personal interviews and analysed using cost and return analysis, break-even analysis and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) estimation. Across locations, the average total variable cost (TVC) was Tk. 84,495 ha⁻¹, while the average total cost (TC) was Tk. 1,19,770 ha⁻¹. Total cash cost (TCC) averaged Tk. 65,045 ha⁻¹, representing 54.3% of TC. Average fibre yield was 3,087 kg ha⁻¹, ranging from 2,363 kg ha⁻¹ in Rangpur to 3,879 kg ha⁻¹ in Jashore, while average stick yield was 5,092 kg ha⁻¹. The average gross return was Tk. 2,06,409 ha⁻¹. Faridpur recorded the highest gross return (Tk. 2,68,555 ha⁻¹) and the highest gross margin on a TVC basis (Tk. 1,95,213 ha⁻¹), mainly because of its comparatively high fibre price and above-average yield. The average break-even price was Tk. 35 kg⁻¹ and the average break-even yield was 2,315 kg ha⁻¹. The BCR on a TVC basis ranged from 1.89 in Rangpur to 3.66 in Faridpur, with an overall average of 2.49. The results indicate that tossa jute cultivation was economically viable in all surveyed locations, although profitability differed substantially across districts. The findings suggest that yield improvement, better price realisation and location-specific support may strengthen farm-level returns, particularly in Rangpur.