In a significant move towards promoting self-sufficiency and supporting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the Indian government has granted approval for the 100% packaging of all food grains and 20% of sugar in jute bags for the Jute Year 2023-24. This decision, aimed at safeguarding the welfare of domestic raw jute and bolstering jute packaging material production, is expected to benefit both farmers and workers in the jute industry.
The current proposal ensures that 65% of the raw jute produced in the country (in 2022-23) is reserved for packaging in jute material, providing relief to around 4 lakh workers employed in jute mills and ancillary units. Moreover, it supports the livelihood of approximately 40 lakh farm families, aligning with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative’s vision of economic self-reliance.
The implementation of the Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory Use in Packing Commodities) Act aims to not only support the jute industry’s workforce but also contribute to environmental protection. Jute fiber, being natural, biodegradable, renewable, and reusable, meets all sustainability parameters, ensuring a positive impact on the environment.
The Jute industry holds a crucial position in India’s national economy, particularly in the Eastern Region, encompassing states like West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The industry significantly contributes to the economic development of this region, particularly in West Bengal.
The Jute Packaging Materials Act, enacted in 1987, plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the interests of jute farmers, workers, and individuals involved in jute goods’ production. Jute Sacking Bags, constituting 75% of the Jute Industry’s total production, find extensive use, with 85% supplied to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and State Procurement Agencies (SPAs), and the rest either exported or sold directly.
Annually, the Indian government procures jute sacking bags worth approximately Rs. 12,000 crores to package food grains, ensuring a stable market for jute farmers and workers. The government’s commitment to guaranteeing the full consumption of jute bags for sacking production reflects its dedication to the welfare of jute industry stakeholders.
