JUTE:
ECONOMY/GEOGRAPHY
NEWS:
‘The Board was preparing a draft for Jute Technology Mission 2.0 and conducted
meetings with stakeholders’
WHAT’S
IN THE NEWS?
Jute, often referred to
as the “golden fiber,” is
garnering attention due to its environmental benefits and economic importance.
As the world increasingly shifts away from plastic, jute presents
a biodegradable alternative for various applications, including
packaging. India’s significant role as the largest global producer
of jute highlights its potential for both economic and
environmental impact.
Jute:
Natural Fiber: Major cash crop in India, eco-friendly and
biodegradable alternative to plastic.
Growth:
·
Harvested
in 100-150 days.
·
Optimal
harvest: Early pod formation stage.
·
Harvest
method: Cut close to the ground or uprooted in flooded areas.
Post-Harvest:
·
Plants
are left to shed leaves, then bundled and processed.
·
Retting
process: Fibers separated from stems in clean, slow-moving water at ~34°C.
Production:
·
India:
World's second-largest producer (after Bangladesh).
·
Major
states: West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh,
Tripura, Chhattisgarh.
Golden
Fibre Revolution: Focuses on jute production in
India.
Exports:
·
Last
year: ₹3,000 crore.
·
Current
projection: ₹3,500 crore.
·
Potential:
₹4,500 crore annually.
Climate
Requirements:
·
Hot,
humid climate.
·
Temperature:
24°C-37°C.
·
Rainfall:
120-150 cm.
Growing
Season:
·
Sown:
March-May.
·
Harvested:
June-September.
Economic
Importance:
·
Employment:
Millions of farmers and industrial workers.
·
Uses:
Textiles, packaging, construction.
·
New
R&D: Ethanol extraction (495 liters/tonne of jute).
Challenges:
·
Competition
from synthetic fibers.
·
Climate
impacts (floods, droughts).
·
Labor
shortages, fluctuating prices.
Government
Initiatives:
·
Minimum
Support Price (MSP).
·
Jute
packaging mandatory for specific commodities.
·
Jute
Technology Mission 2.0.
Environmental
Benefits:
·
Biodegradable,
supports carbon sequestration.
Recent Trends:
·
Diversification
into value-added products: Paper, pulp, composites, textiles.