Jute Industry

Jute is otherwise known as the 'Golden Fiber' -a plant that produces a fiber, mainly used for sacking and cordage. This raw material is used for sacks, globally and is the most versatile fibers of nature. Different forms of handicrafts also use this fiber. Jute is cheap and important among all textile fibers, after cotton.

Potential of Jute industry
the jute industry has been expanding really fast spanning from a wide range of life style consumer products, with all courtesy to the versatility of Jute. Innovative ways of bleaching, dyeing and finishing processes - the jute industry now provides finished jute products that are softer, have a luster and also an aesthetic appeal.

Changing scenario of Jute industry
At present, jute has been defined as an eco-friendly natural fiber with utmost versatility ranging from low value geo-textiles to high value carpet, apparel, composites, decoratives, upholstery furnishings etc.

In future, a number of jute mills and mini-jute plants have been seen to be engaged in jute products and jute blended yarns. We all know that the uses of jute are manifold, with the traditional usage pattern remaining constricted to packing, hessian and carpet backing.

The jute sector in India engages a key role in the Indian economy, providing direct employment to about 0.26 million workers, and supporting the lives of around 4.0 million farm families. Around 0.14 million people are believed to be engaged in the tertiary sector, that supports the jute industry. Currently it also contributes to exports to the tune of about Rs. 1000 crore.

Jute Production in India
Import of Raw Jute in 2008-09 has dropped by 66% in quantity and by 55% in value terms, whereas import of jute products saw a surge by 23% in quantity and by 47% in value terms when compared with the figures of 2007-08. The EXIM Policy states that import of raw jute and jute products in India should be considered as free items without duty.

Import of jute and jute products in last 3 years
Qty: M.Ton and Value: Rs. /Lakhs

Period	2008 - 2009	2007 - 2008	2006 - 2007
Qty.	Value	Qty.	Value	Qty.	Value
Raw Jute	59,042	8,900.31	1,71,800	19,672.39	94,363	15,031.15
Jute Products	70,935	20,299.48	57,688	13,809.41	60,932	17,162.87

State-wise Jute production in the last 3 years
Period: July-June / Area: '000 Hectares / Qty: '000 Bales

	2006-07		2007-08		2008-09 (Estimated)
State	Area	Production	Area	Production	Area	Production
West Bengal	595	8411	610	8216	584	7900
Bihar	127	1253	131	1251	147	1402
Jharkhand	-	-	-	-	-	-
Assam	58	559	60	657	61	674
Orissa	5	48	6	50	11	104
Uttar Pradesh	-	-	-	-	(0.1)	1
Tripura	1	4	(0.5)	4	1	8
Meghalaya	4	35	4	35	6	50
Nagaland	2	6	3	6	2	21
Others	-	-	-	-	-	-
Total	792	10316	814	10219	812	10160