The production may decline as floods have damaged the jute crop in some areas of West Bengal and Assam.
- Both states are the major producer of Jute crop (known as golden fibre).
About Jute Industry
- Status: India is the leading jute goods producing country in the world, accounting for about 70% of estimated world production.
- One of the major industries in the eastern region, particularly in West Bengal (about 73%).
- Around 90% of the production is consumed locally.
- Opportunities
- Provides direct employment to 0.37 million workers in organized mills.
- Jute exports had the potential for ₹4,500 crore annually (in 2023-24 it was ₹3,000).
Challenges
- Declining area: Area under jute cultivation declined (1.7 Lakh ha between 2013-14 to 2021-22)
- Availability of Low-cost alternative: E.g. Synthetic Products.
- Also, there is lack of impetus from states to procure jute products such as jute geo-textiles.
- Quality: More than 80% of raw jute grown is below average or poor quality.
- Other: Lack of Modernization, Shortage of skilled labour force, etc.
Measures Suggested (as per Standing Committee on Labour, Textiles and Skill Development)
- Prepare comprehensive policy for setting up new mills.
- Devise a suitable scheme to address the shortage of skilled workers, etc.
Initiative Taken
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