, Jan. 31 -- Production at 23 private jute mills in Khulna region will be suspended from Sunday due to an acute shortage of raw jute.

The crisis was created after excessive rainfall disrupted jute cultivation in Shariatpur, Madaripur and Gopalganj, resulting in lower-than-expected output, jute mill owners said.

To protect domestic mills, the government imposed a ban on jute exports from September 8 but millers say the restriction has failed to stabilise supplies.

According to the Jute Mill Owners Association, mills are struggling to maintain normal operations as raw jute has become scarce and prices in local markets have surged abnormally.

The association has decided to shut down production at 23 mills in Khulna from Sunday.

Millers ...