Khulna, July 5 -- Once known as the golden hub of jute cultivation, Khulna is now witnessing a steady decline in jute farming as farmers lose interest due to persistent losses and the closure of local jute mills.

According to officials, last year the district met its jute cultivation target but this year production has fallen short, mainly due to the absence of government incentives to the jute growers.

Sources said while farmers were provided with seeds by the agriculture office last year, this year no such support was given. However, the Jute Department has offered incentives to farmers in two key jute-producing upazilas of the district.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), in the 2023-24 fiscal year, jute was...