Jute production likely to decline by 12% to 90 lakh bales

For 2012-13 crop year, the National Jute Board has voiced its concern that production of jute in the country is expected to decline by 12% to 90 lakh bales. This decline in production can be attributed to deficit rains in the growing states coupled with floods in Assam, which could impact crop condition. Last year the country had produced 102 lakh bales of jute where one bale of jute is equivalent to 332.5 kg.

The states of West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya and Andhra Pradesh are the ones where jute is been cultivated and compared to 8.92 lakh hectare in the year-ago period, for the current ongoing Kharif season the area sown under  jute is lower and stands at 8.40 lakh hectare, as per the  data compiled by Agriculture Ministry. Till July, the country had received insufficient rains and the deficit was in tune of 20% due to which sowing of most kharif crops, both food and cash crops, are lagging behind.

The cultivation of jute takes place between the two main agricultural seasons - Kharif and Rabi. Out of the total jute produced in the country 5-6% of it is used for making 1.6 million tonnes of jute goods every year while the rest is been used by the farmer for manure and fuel. Presently, the industry has been mainly focusing on making gunny bags providing employment to about 4 million people directly and indirectly.

Besides, the Ministry of Textiles wants diversification of jute products and anticipates that the industry will produce more value-added items. Moreover, the natural fibres, especially jute, kenaf and allied fibres, are being diversely used in the manufacture of automobiles and infrastructure in the world.