GS 3 – Agriculture
Context:
India has stopped importing some jute products and ropes from Bangladesh through land routes. Now, they can enter only via Nhava Sheva port in Maharashtra to check quality and protect local industry.
About
- Jute is a long, soft, shiny bast fibre obtained from the stem of plants of the Corchorus genus.
- Known as the “Golden Fibre” due to its lustre and economic value.
- Major uses: gunny bags, ropes, mats, handicrafts, textiles, and recently geotextiles & composites.
Jute Production in India
- India is the world’s largest producer of raw jute and jute goods.
- Accounts for ~70% of global production.
- States: West Bengal (dominant), Bihar, Assam, Odisha, Tripura, Meghalaya.
- Agro-climatic conditions:
- Temperature: 24–37°C.
- Rainfall: >150 cm (humid climate).
- Soil: Alluvial soil of Ganga-Brahmaputra delta.
- Crop duration: 4–5 months.
Economic Importance
- Provides livelihood to 40 lakh farmers and 2.6 lakh mill workers.
- Supports jute industry (mills, exports, handicrafts).
- Exports mainly to USA, UK, EU, Australia, and African nations.
- Second most important natural fibre after cotton.
Government Initiatives
- Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory Use in Packing Commodities) Act, 1987 → mandates use of jute bags for foodgrain & sugar.
- National Jute Board (NJB) → promotion, research, training.
- Jute Technology Mission (JTM) → improve productivity & value addition.
- Price Support Scheme (PSS) → MSP for raw jute.
- Promotion of Jute Geo-Textiles (JGT) in road construction, soil erosion control.
Challenges
- Competition from synthetic substitutes (plastic, PP bags).
- Obsolete machinery in mills → low productivity.
- Labour issues & frequent strikes.
- Fluctuating raw jute supply due to climate variability.
- Low export competitiveness compared to Bangladesh.
Way Forward
- Eco-friendly substitute to plastic → scope in packaging, shopping bags.
- Diversification into geotextiles, composites, paper pulp.
- Skill upgradation & modernisation of jute mills.
- Branding Indian jute globally as a sustainable fibre.