Overview of Jute Cultivation

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Context:

Recently, jute cultivation and the challenges faced by the sector was highlighted by the Indian Jute Mills Association.

Relevance:

GS III: Agriculture

Dimensions of the Article:

Jute belongs to the category of natural bast fibers, similar to flax, hemp, kenaf, and ramie.
It is Cultivated predominantly in the eastern regions of the Indian subcontinent, notably West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh.
The first jute mill was founded in 1855 in Rishra, near Kolkata, India.

Soil Requirements: Thrives best in fertile, loamy alluvial soils.
Climate Conditions: Optimal growth conditions include relative humidity of 40-90%, temperatures between 17°C and 41°C, and annual rainfall exceeding 120 cm.
Varieties: Primarily consists of two species, Tossa and White jute, cultivated for commercial use.
Additional Varieties: Includes Mesta, another bast fiber crop with species such as Hibiscus cannabinus and Hibiscus Sabdariffa.

Growth Cycle: Can be harvested between 100 and 150 days post-planting.
Optimal Harvesting Time: The pre-bud or bud stage is ideal for high-quality fiber; however, this stage typically results in lower yields.
Mature Plant Harvest: Older plants yield more but have coarser fibers with inadequate retting.

Method: Involves soaking jute stems in water to facilitate fiber separation via microbial action.
Conditions for Retting: Most effective in slow-moving, clean water at around 34 degrees Celsius.
Completion: Once fibers detach smoothly from the wood, the retting process is considered complete.

Plant Utilization: Each part of the plant is used, including the outer layer for fibers and inner woody stems for paper production.
Culinary Uses: Leaves are used in cooking various dishes.
Agricultural Benefits: Roots enhance the soil quality for future crops.

Main Cultivation States: West Bengal, Assam, and Bihar, with cultivation primarily by marginal and small-scale farmers.
Economic Role: Supports approximately 14 million people, reflecting its status as a labor-intensive crop.
Global Standing: Recognized as the world’s largest producer of jute and the second most significant cash crop in India after cotton.

Eco-friendly Choice: Jute serves as a biodegradable and environmentally friendly alternative to plastic bags, aiding in the global effort to reduce plastic waste.
Versatility in Production: Jute is utilized in creating various products such as textiles, wall coverings, flooring, and more, demonstrating its wide range of applications.
Efficiency in Cultivation: It requires substantially less land and water than cotton, making it a more sustainable choice. Additionally, it yields a significant amount per acre with lower chemical inputs.
Carbon Sequestration: Jute plants are carbon-neutral and capable of sequestering up to 1.5 tons of CO2 per hectare annually, contributing positively to climate change mitigation.

Changing Agricultural Practices: Traditionally, jute farming benefited from natural river flooding, which facilitated the retting process. Modern practices now require transporting jute to artificial ponds due to reduced natural flooding, impacting the efficiency of the process.
Operational Inefficiencies: The jute industry often operates below full capacity, with many mills using outdated machinery, leading to decreased production efficiency and increased costs.
Underutilization and Market Access: Despite its potential, a significant portion of jute remains underutilized. Jute mills, primarily located in West Bengal, face logistical challenges in distributing raw materials and finished products. Additionally, farmers in northeastern India encounter difficulties accessing resources and markets.
Regulatory Challenges: The sector struggles with implementing policies effectively, despite regulations intended to boost domestic jute usage, such as the Jute Packaging Materials Act.

-Source: Indian Express