Norms for mandatory packaging in jute materials extended

The decision to pack sugar in diversified jute bags will give an impetus to the diversification of the jute industry, an official statement said.

The CCEA also approved that initially 10 per cent of the indents of jute bags for packing food grains would be placed through reverse auction on the Gem portal. This will gradually usher in a regime of price discovery.

“The decision will give a fillip to the development of jute sector; increasing the quality and productivity of raw jute, diversification of jute sector and also boosting and sustaining demand for jute product,” the statement said. This is important considering the fact that nearly 3.7 lakh workers and several lakh farm families are dependent for their livelihood on the jute sector.

The jute industry in India is predominantly dependent on the public sector, which purchases jute bags of value of more than ₹6,500 crore every year for packing food grains. This is done in order to sustain the core demand for the jute sector and to support the livelihood of the workers and farmers dependent on the sector.

The decision will benefit farmers and workers located in the eastern and north eastern regions of the country, particularly in the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya and Tripura. (RKS)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India