Jute is an important cash crop in Bihar. Photo: Vikas Choudhary/CSE
Agriculture

Jute, an important pillar of Seemanchal’s economy

Maize and makhana have replaced paddy and jute as cash crops in Seemanchal of late

Vikas Choudhary

Jute is an important crop in Bihar’s Seemanchal region. The plant grows well in the floodplains of the Kosi river across the Purnea, Kisanganj, Araria, Katihar, Madhepura and Supaul districts.

Bihar is one of the largest producers of raw jute in India, along with West Bengal and Northeastern states.

It grows along the floodplains of the Koshi river.

The state has an average area of 0.592 lakh ha. with a production of 8.034 lakh bales, according to the Union government. Bihar’s productivity is 2,442 kg/ha which is below than the national average (2,654 kg/ha).

But farmers are replacing it with other crops, given the promise of higher returns.

According to a 2020 paper, Supaul district was the highest producer of jute in Bihar with 50,670 bales.

However, maize and makhana have replaced paddy and jute as cash crops in Seemanchal of late, according to The Hindustan Times, as these crops gave more returns.