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Jute industry in India well flourished decade ago in 1954 when the first jute mill was set up by George Auckland at Rishra in Hoogly district of west Bengal. Also known as Golden fibre – ‘Jute' is one of the most economical and valuable natural fibres in the Indian industry for producing not only textiles but non-textiles products too. Diverse traditional packaging fabrics, manufacturing Hessian, saking, mats, bags, footwear, ropes, twines and other consumer products such as greeting cards, salwar kameez, soft luggage's etc are all the end products of this natural fibre –jute. The other names for jute fibre are Pat, Kosta, Nalita, Bimli or Mesta (Kenaf). Mesta Kenaf is considered as the finest variety of jute that is cultivated in Indian subcontinent, Thailand, China and Africa. India, Bangladesh, Thailand, China, South Asian countries and Brazil are famous for another two main varieties of jute – White jute and dark jute which are also known as (Corchorus Capsularies) and tossa respectively. Next to cotton if there is any name then it is jute only.
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| India ranks first as the largest producer of jute goods in the world while Bangladesh is largest cultivator of raw jute. Although the cultivation of jute in India is confined to eastern region states but it remains as the major foundation for employment opportunities in developing countries like India particularly in states of Assam, Bihar, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal alone manage 50 % of the total raw jute production. More than 4000,000 Indian families are occupied with job of cultivation of raw jute. Some of the chief jute industries in India are: Indian Jute Industries Research Association (IJIRA), Jute Manufacturing Development Council (JMDC), National centre for Jute Diversification (NCJD), Jute Commissioner and many more. |
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The inherent advantages of jute such as versatility, weaving of light weight, lusture, high spinning yarn, fine textured fabrics, high tensile strength, moderate heat, improved bleaching, dyeing and finishing processes, low extensibility, fire resistance, long staple lengths, its biodegradable and eco-friendly nature has encouraged it produced wide range of life style consumer goods and placed it above synthetics just for the reason that it protect the environment and maintain the ecological balance.The jute handicrafts Madhya Pradesh are unique blend of artistic and efficiency. Words are very few to describe them. Their excellence is reflected in wide range of handicrafts of utility, decoration and novelty in the form of jute bags, floor coverings, window dressing, office bags, wall hangings, room décor, blankets, jackets, travel bags and many more. |
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Very famous craftsmen that researched on the fibre is Hasta Shilp Vikas Nigam. We have other centres for producing jute handicrafts in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Mriganayani and Raipur.
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But today in changing scenario jute is defined as an eco-friendly natural fibre and is branded as the fibre for the future. In coming decades many jute mills and plants will be soon engaged in big production of jute. Jute is a rainy season crop and hence sown from March to May according to rainfall and type of land and harvested from June to September depending on whether the sowings are early or late.
Jute is best grown in the damp heat. Climatic conditions prevalent in west Bengal in India are well suited for its cultivation. Indian states suitable for the cultivation jute are:
• West Bengal
• Bihar
• Assam
• Orissa
• Uttar Pradesh
Extensive research and development and technological support with government's development efforts, the cultivation of jute has generated enormous employment opportunities and contributed a lot in human development and bestowed us with healthier and cleaner environment.
In order to make jute-based products more successful into the textiles sector, jute has been largely experimented with. In view of challenge faced from cheaper prices of synthetic substitutes, more thrust has been given on diversification of jute products. |
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