JUTE TEXTILE INDUSTRY
WHAT IS THE STATUS OF JUTE TEXTILE INDUSTRY?
- One of the major Industries in the Eastern India, especially West Bengal.
- It is the second important industry after cotton textile.
- India is one of the largest producers of products.
- Jute supports around 40 Lakh farm families.
- It earns valuable foreign exchange through exports.
- Cultivation of jute
- Processing of jute fibres
- Spinning
- Weaving
- Bleaching
- Dyeing
- Finishing and marketing
WHERE IS JUTE INDUSTRY DISTRIBUTED IN INDIA?
- West Bengal has more than 80% of production and mills.
- Andhra accounting for another 10% and rest in UP and Bihar.
- Jute mills are also located in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Tripura
WHAT ARE THE FAVOURABLE FACTORS FOR INDUSTRY’S LOCATION?
- Availability of high-quality jute around the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta.
- The Ganga-Brahmaputra delta region offers inexpensive water transportation.
- Abundant and low-cost labour required.
- Processing, washing, and dyeing require a lot of water.
- Requirement of capital flow and robust market.
WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS FACED BY JUTE INDUSTRY?
- Overall demand in international market is reducing.
- Tough competition from synthetic, durable and cheaper packing materials.
- Bangladesh mills are along with China has better quality goods.
- Bulk handling practices in US, Canada and Europe have decreased demand.
- Cost of Indian products are higher.
- Availability of local fibres like Mesta have reduced demand.
- No modernization in machinery development and automation.
- Infrastructural bottlenecks, power, transportation, and capital also pose several threats to the sustainability of Jute industry.