Jute products export increased 24 pct since 2014, says textiles min Irani

Textiles Minister Smriti Irani on Monday said that exports of jute diversified products have risen 24 per cent since 2014. Speaking at a textile outreach programme here, Irani said: "jute is the currency of the day" and that it had contributed to the flourish of West Bengal for years. Textiles Secretary Raghavendra Singh said the ministry is trying to connect the weavers with big companies for realising higher margins.

The government is looking at ways and means to raise the income of the weavers and generate employment, he said. Insurance and marketing assistance to weavers are also being in 40 districts of India, the minister said. Singh added that pre and post registration of GI tags of 163 handicraft and handloom products is required.

(With inputs from agencies.)