Jute, often referred to as the “Golden Fiber”, is a vital cash crop in India, especially in the eastern states. Known for its eco-friendly, biodegradable properties, jute is widely used for making bags, sacks, carpets, and handicrafts. India is one of the largest producers of jute in the world, second only to Bangladesh.
The jute industry supports millions of farmers and workers and forms the backbone of rural economies in states like West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, and Odisha. With the global movement toward sustainable materials, jute cultivation is gaining renewed importance.
Ideal Conditions for Jute Cultivation
- Climate: Jute is a warm-season crop, requiring a humid climate with temperatures between 24°C and 35°C and well-distributed rainfall of 150–200 cm.
- Soil: It thrives in alluvial soils, especially in riverine regions with good drainage and fertility.
- Season: Sowing typically begins in March-April, and harvesting is done around July-August.
Varieties of Jute
There are two main types of jute cultivated in India:
- Corchorus capsularis (White Jute): Grown mainly in lowland areas.
- Corchorus olitorius (Tossa Jute): Preferred for its stronger, finer fiber and better market demand.
Cultivation Practices
- Land Preparation: The land should be ploughed 3–4 times to get a fine tilth. Add organic matter such as farmyard manure before sowing.
- Sowing: Seeds are either broadcasted or line sown. Line sowing (25–30 cm row spacing) ensures better plant management.
- Thinning and Weeding: After germination, thinning is essential to maintain plant density. Two weedings are generally done within the first month.
- Fertilization: Use of urea, phosphate, and potash improves growth. Organic fertilizers like vermicompost are also beneficial.
Harvesting and Retting
Jute plants are harvested when they begin flowering, around 120–130 days after sowing. Delayed harvesting can reduce fiber quality. After cutting, the plants are bundled and soaked in clean, slow-flowing water for retting—a process that separates the fiber from the stem using microbial action. Retting takes 10–15 days, after which the fibers are extracted and dried in sunlight.
Yield and Marketing
Average yield ranges from 2.5 to 3 tonnes per hectare. Jute fibers are sold to local traders, jute mills, or cooperative societies. With the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging, the market for jute products is expanding domestically and internationally.
Challenges in Jute Farming
- Labor-intensive retting process
- Fluctuating prices
- Lack of awareness about quality improvement
- Dependence on monsoon rainfall
Government schemes like Jute-ICARE (Improved Cultivation and Advanced Retting Exercise) aim to support farmers through better technologies and market linkages.
Conclusion
Jute farming continues to be a valuable and sustainable option for Indian farmers, offering both environmental and economic benefits. With increased awareness, support from the government, and demand for eco-friendly alternatives, jute can reclaim its prominence as a leading cash crop in India.
