{"id":84024,"date":"2026-09-08T18:10:50","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T12:40:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=84024"},"modified":"2026-09-08T18:14:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T12:44:10","slug":"jute-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/08-09-2026\/jute-in-india","title":{"rendered":"Jute: India\u2019s Golden Fibre\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Economy; Agriculture&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India is the <strong>world\u2019s largest producer of raw jute<\/strong> and accounts for about 75% of estimated global jute goods production.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About Jute (<\/strong><strong><em>aka<\/em><\/strong><strong> \u2018Golden Fibre\u2019)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Jute is a <strong>biodegradable<\/strong> and <strong>recyclable<\/strong> natural fibre characterised by its rapid growth, cost-effectiveness, and wide availability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is <strong>strong<\/strong>, <strong>durable<\/strong>, <strong>breathable<\/strong>, and highly <strong>versatile<\/strong>, with applications spanning packaging, construction, agriculture, and industrial textiles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It possesses favourable functional attributes, including <strong>thermal<\/strong> and <strong>acoustic insulation<\/strong>, high <strong>moisture absorption<\/strong>, and <strong>low static generation<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-dominant-color=\"c1d5dd\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"576\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image-62.png\" alt=\"aka\u2018Golden Fibre\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-84025\" style=\"--dominant-color: #c1d5dd; aspect-ratio:2.0498804426402715;width:493px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image-62.png 576w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image-62-300x146.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Agro-Climatic Profile<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Jute is generally sown in <strong>March-April<\/strong> and harvested within <strong>100\u2013110 days<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It requires <strong>hot, humid conditions<\/strong> and <strong>700\u20131,500 mm rainfall<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is <strong>predominantly rainfed<\/strong> and cultivated by <strong>small and marginal farmers.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Historical Evolution<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Jute use dates to the <strong>3rd century BC<\/strong>, but it became a commercial commodity under British rule, when mills emerged in Bengal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Partition in <strong>1947<\/strong> separated nearly <strong>80% of jute-growing areas<\/strong> into East Pakistan, while most mills remained in India, causing raw-material shortages.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>\u2018Grow More Jute\u2019 campaign (September 1949)<\/strong> boosted production from <strong>6.7 lakh tonnes (1951-52) to 14.56 lakh tonnes (1961-62)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Jute Packaging Act, 1987<\/strong> created a stable market.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Present Status<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>India accounts for about <strong>75% of estimated global jute-goods production<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"dde3e7\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #dde3e7;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"315\" height=\"235\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image-63.png\" alt=\"jute\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-84026\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image-63.png 315w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2026\/09\/image-63-300x224.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 315px) 100vw, 315px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Production of<strong> jute and mesta<\/strong> rose from <strong>88.02 lakh bales (2024-25) to 94.03 lakh bales (2025-26)<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sustainable and Diversified Applications<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Jute is <strong>strong, durable, breathable and versatile<\/strong>, with applications in packaging, construction, agriculture and industrial textiles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It offers thermal\/acoustic insulation, high moisture absorption and low static generation and blends with natural and synthetic fibres.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jute leaves are <strong>consumed in Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Japan<\/strong> and contain vitamins, carotenoids, calcium, potassium and dietary fibre.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Technologies have been developed for <strong>antioxidant herbal drinks and healthcare products.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>National Jute Board<\/strong> provides technical support on design, procurement, testing and installation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Jute Geotextile (JGT): <\/strong>It is a technical textile used for soil stabilisation, erosion control, road construction, river-bank protection and ecological restoration.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is fully biodegradable, improves soil structure and fertility, lowers soil temperature and supports seed germination.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Related Concerns &amp; Issues<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Declining acreage &amp; production: <\/strong>Farmers are shifting to higher-return crops like maize and paddy. Area fell to 5.56 lakh ha in 2025 (vs normal 6.60 lakh ha).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Low &amp; uneven yields + poor fibre quality: <\/strong>Most Indian jute is lower grade (TD-3 to TD-5), suited mainly for sacking, not premium products. Water scarcity for retting is a major constraint.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Small &amp; marginal farmers:<\/strong> Predominant dependence of the crop on smallholders creates challenges of technology access, economies of scale and market access.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Climate vulnerability &amp; retting constraints:<\/strong> Erratic monsoon, floods (Assam), and drought-like conditions reduce both quantity and quality. Traditional water retting is hampered by scarce clean water sources (unlike Bangladesh\u2019s riverine advantage).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Heavy dependence on government packaging mandate:<\/strong> Over 75% of output goes into compulsory jute bags for foodgrains\/sugar under the 1987 Act.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technology &amp; mechanisation gap:<\/strong> Continued intervention is required in farm operations, fibre processing and modern manufacturing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Market expansion:<\/strong> Despite India\u2019s global leadership, sustained efforts are needed to strengthen <strong>domestic and export markets<\/strong> for diversified jute products.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Competitiveness:<\/strong> Jute must remain <strong>price-competitive<\/strong> against synthetic materials while maintaining quality and sustainability.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Supply-chain complexity:<\/strong> Transporters, traders, importers and mills require greater integration and digitalisation, which JUTE-SMART is addressing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Need for innovation:<\/strong> Wider commercialisation of products such as <strong>jute geotextiles, blended apparel and health\/food products<\/strong> is essential for long-term sectoral growth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Infrastructure challenges:<\/strong> Expanding JGT applications requires greater technical awareness, standardised specifications, testing and installation capabilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Government Interventions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>MSP For Raw Jute: <\/strong>It is <strong>\u20b95,925\/quintal for FY 2026-27<\/strong>, providing a <strong>61.8% return<\/strong> over the all-India weighted average cost of production, about <strong>147% higher than \u20b92,400 in FY 2014-15<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>MSP payments rose from <strong>\u20b9441 crore (FY 2004-05\u20132013-14) to \u20b91,342 crore (FY 2014-15\u20132025-26)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Jute Packaging Materials Act:<\/strong> It mandates <strong>100% food grains and 20% sugar<\/strong> packaging in jute bags.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Jute Corporation of India (JCI)<\/strong> is the <strong>only nodal agency for MSP procurement,<\/strong> with around <strong>110 Departmental Purchase Centres<\/strong> across West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Tripura.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>National Jute Development Programme (NJDP):<\/strong> It is implemented by <strong>National Jute Board (NJB)<\/strong> with an outlay of <strong>\u20b9485.58 crore (FY 2021-22\u20132025-26)<\/strong>, focuses on productivity, farmer incomes and diversification through <strong>JUTE-ICARE and Jute Diversification Scheme<\/strong>.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>JUTE-ICARE, launched in <strong>FY 2015-16<\/strong>, promotes scientific cultivation, mechanisation, certified seeds, demonstrations and improved retting, with CRIJAF and JCI; retting ponds are supported through convergence with <strong>PMKSY and RKVY<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Jute Mark India Logo: <\/strong>It assures authenticity, quality, sustainability, standards and jute content in blended products. Over <strong>57 regional jute fairs<\/strong> were organised in FY 2025-26, including IITF, Surajkund Mela and Bharat Tex.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>JUTE-SMART:<\/strong> It digitises procurement and supply of food-grain jute bags.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Till August 2026, 303 lakh bales of B.Twill bags (500 bags\/bale), worth approximately \u20b91,00,000 crore, were procured through the portal by more than <strong>20 State Procurement Agencies<\/strong>, including FCI.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Jute Crop Information System (ISRO-National Remote Sensing Centre, NRSC): <\/strong>It uses remote sensing and field data through <strong>BHUVAN JUMP<\/strong> and Prospective Assessment of Jute Using Mobile App-Based Field Observations<strong> (PATSAN)<\/strong> for near-real-time monitoring and analytics.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Market Development &amp; Promotion Scheme<\/strong> supports domestic\/export promotion, while the <strong>Workers\u2019 Welfare\/Scholarship Scheme<\/strong> supports girls of jute-mill\/JDP-MSME workers passing Secondary and Higher Secondary examinations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diversification measures include <strong>Jute Raw Material Banks<\/strong>, <strong>30% capital subsidy<\/strong> for plant and machinery, <strong>Jute Resource-cum-Production Centres<\/strong>, and <strong>Jute Retail Outlets<\/strong> offering <strong>25% sales assistance up to \u20b99 lakh\/unit<\/strong>.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Exporters receive <strong>Production Linked Incentives for Jute Diversified Products (JDPs)<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Way Forward<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Innovation, technical textiles, sustainable apparel, digital agriculture, branding and export-oriented diversification can transform jute from a packaging-dependent crop into a <strong>green, inclusive and globally competitive value chain<\/strong>, strengthening rural livelihoods while supporting India\u2019s transition away from plastics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pib.gov.in\/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=159870&amp;ModuleId=3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source: PIB<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><strong> Context <\/strong><\/p>\n<li class=\"ms-5\"> India is the world\u2019s largest producer of raw jute and accounts for about 75% of estimated global jute goods production. <\/li>\n<p><\/p>\n<p><strong> About Jute (aka\u2018Golden Fibre\u2019) <\/strong><\/p>\n<li class=\"ms-5\"> Jute is a biodegradable and recyclable natural fibre characterised by its rapid growth, cost-effectiveness, and wide availability. <\/li>\n<li class=\"ms-5\"> It is strong, durable, breathable, and highly versatile, with applications spanning packaging, construction, agriculture, and industrial textiles. <\/li>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/08-09-2026\/jute-in-india\" class=\"btn btn-primary btn-sm float-end\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-84024","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-current-affairs"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84024","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=84024"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84024\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":84035,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/84024\/revisions\/84035"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84024"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=84024"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=84024"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}