“Jute is one of the main fibre crops grown in India. It is important because it is used to make many things like sacks, ropes, carpets, and covers. People like jute because it is cheap, soft, and strong. This article will explain how jute is grown, where it is produced, how it is traded, and why it is important for the economy.”

About Jute

• It is the second most important fibre crop in India after cotton.
   
• People use it to make things like gunny bags, ropes, carpets, rugs, tarpaulins, and other useful items.
• This crop is popular because it is cheap, soft, and strong.  
• But when man-made materials were introduced, people started using jute less.

What Jute Needs to Grow”

• This crop grows well in hot weather (between 24°C and 35°C) and needs a lot of moisture in the air. It also needs plenty of rain, about 120 to 150 cm, while it is growing.
• Growing this crop requires a lot of water. Farmers plant the seeds and grow young plants before the rainy season, when there is about 25 to 55 cm of rain.
  • This is done to make the most of the rainy season.

Growing Jute in India

• It is usually planted in February and ready to be picked in October. The crop takes about 8 to 10 months to grow fully.
• Alluvial soils (light sandy or clayey barns) are considered to be best suited for this crop.
• Like cotton, it also rapidly exhausts soil fertility. The soil must be replenished annually by the silt-laden flood water of the rivers.

Production of Jute in India

India is one of the biggest producers of jute in the world. Jute is mainly grown in the eastern parts of the country, especially in West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, and Odisha. The crop needs a hot and humid climate with lots of rainfall, which makes these areas perfect for jute farming. Jute plants grow quickly and are ready to harvest in about 4 to 6 months. After harvesting, the fibers are taken out and used to make things like bags, ropes, mats, and cloth. Jute farming gives work to many farmers and helps the country’s economy.

• After India was divided (partitioned), about 75% of the land where jute was grown became part of Bangladesh. But most of the jute factories stayed in India. 
• From 1950 to 1980, jute farming in India grew quickly – more land was used, and more jute was produced. However, from 1981 till now, jute farming has gone down. 
• This is because of changing weather, more land being used to grow rice, and the use of plastic and other materials instead of jute. 
• Even today, India produces about 56% of the world’s jute, while Bangladesh makes about 25%.

Distribution of Jute in India

• Over 99 percent of the total jute in India is produced in just five states:
  • West Bengal,
  • Bihar,
  • Assam,
  • Andhra Pradesh, and
  • Odisha.

Note: Andhra Pradesh (delta area) and Odisha are important producers.

States	Position	Factors
West Bengal	First (81% of India’s jute production)	Enough jute mills are located in the Hugli basin. Hot and humid climate.Alluvial, loamy soil.Cheap, abundant labour.
Bihar	Second (8.67%)
Assam	Third (7.78%)

Trade in Jute in India

• India brings raw jute from Bangladesh because it doesn’t grow enough of it to supply all the jute mills in the country.
• India sends extra jute hessian (a kind of woven cloth) to Bangladesh because it produces more than it needs.
• India sells different jute products like bags, carpets, and ropes to many countries around the world. This helps India grow its business in the international market.
• Trade Balance Impact: India buys this raw crop from other countries, but it sells finished products made from it to other countries. This helps reduce the gap between what India buys and sells and also brings in foreign money.

Growing and Supporting the Jute Industry in India

• This industry is very important for India’s economy, especially in the eastern parts of the country where most of the jute is grown.
• This industry is very important for India’s economy, especially in the eastern parts of the country where most of the jute is grown.
• The government has started programs like the National Jute Policy to help grow and support the jute industry.
  • This policy wants to make the sector stronger by using modern technology, improving tools and machines, and helping it reach more markets.

• Also, using eco-friendly jute products like biodegradable bags and packaging has become more popular in recent years, as people worldwide are becoming more concerned about protecting the environment.

Economic Importance of Jute

The economic importance of this crop can be seen as follows:

• Big Earner – This crop makes a lot of money for India and adds a good amount to the country’s farming income. Because it brings in cash, it helps keep the economy strong in the areas where it is grown.
• Support to Related Industries – This industry helps many other businesses like making gunny bags, ropes, carpets, and tarpaulins. These connections help grow village economies and support different kinds of factory work.
• Export Potential – India sells a lot of jute products to other countries. These products are in high demand around the world. This helps India earn money from other countries and strengthens the country’s economy.
• Job Opportunities – Growing crops gives jobs to many people. It helps farmers, laborers, and those who work in factories that process and make products from crops. These jobs are very important for the economy in villages and small towns.
• Income Stability – Jute farming is the main way many farmers earn money, especially in areas where jute is commonly grown. It helps them have a steady income and feel more financially secure.
• Better Livelihood – Growing crops helps farmers earn a regular income, which improves their way of life. It also supports the growth of villages and boosts the local economy.

Conclusion

Jute is still an important crop in India. It plays a big role in farming and helps people in villages earn money through its growing and selling. Even though it has to compete with man-made materials, jute is still valuable because it brings in money, gives people jobs, and helps the country earn from exports.

This industry supports various related sectors and plays a crucial role in enhancing the livelihoods of millions. Understanding its cultivation conditions, production trends, and trade dynamics is essential for sustaining and maximising the benefits of jute in India’s economy.

National Jute Board

• The NJB (National Jute Board) was set up under a law made in 2008. It is the main organization that works to support and grow the jute industry in India.
• The NJB works under the Ministry of Textiles and plays an important role in making the jute industry stronger. It helps improve how much jute is made, how well it sells, and supports new ideas to grow the industry.
• The NJB runs programs to encourage people to use these products, especially ones that are good for the environment, like jute bags that break down naturally and don’t harm nature.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of crop is jute?
Jute is a plant grown mainly for its strong, natural fibers. These fibers are used to make things like cloth, ropes, and eco-friendly packaging.

Where is jute grown in India?
Jute is mostly grown in the eastern parts of India, especially in West Bengal. It is also grown in Bihar, Assam, and Odisha.