Modern Indian Jute Industry

Jute, the eco-fibre is the raw material for one of India’s oldest industries. Jute industry is considered to be the oldest industry in India which is dated back in Mughal Empire. However, the first proper jute mill started in 1865 in Bengal. After British Empire left India, most of the jute mills are taken over by Marwaris. Now the jute industry in India provides a livelihood to more than 240,000 mill workers and more than 4 million farmers’ families. The jute industry in India has been extending to a large scale. The jute mills are now engaged in manufacturing wide range of life style consumer products. Innovation of modern dyes, bleach and finishing processes enabled the industry to produce higher quality jute products which are softer with more shine.

Jute has been the most versatile natural fibre. The jute sector produces products ranging from low value geo-textile to high end garments, decoratives, upholstery etc. Many of the jute plants or mills are now engaged in producing jute blended yarns. The jute industry scenario in India has been changed from making traditional hessian to high end fashion garments. Jute industry in India contributes a key role in the economy. The jute export counts to about 1000 crore. The import of raw jute has been dropped by 66% in 20008-09. The EXIM policy has announced duty free for import of raw jute.

Now, coming to modern jute industry product, the most popular is the handcrafted jute bag. The craft of putting the mixed jute yarns into utility items like jute bag has added immense functional value to this natural fibre. The modern jute crafted bags are further adorned by blending various crafts with them such as tie and dye, embroidery, patch work etc. Hand block printing which is an ancient craft on jute bags has unfailingly improved the beauty of these jute bags.