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 |
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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 |
