Centre Reviews Jute Crop Preparedness, Pushes Tech Adoption and Northeast Value Chains

The Ministry highlighted ongoing implementation of the Jute-ICARE (Improved Cultivation and Advanced Retting Exercise) Scheme, which remains central to sectoral reform.

In a bid to strengthen India’s jute sector ahead of the ongoing crop season, the Ministry of Textiles convened a high-level State Agriculture Conference on Jute, chaired by Smt. Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary, Textiles, to assess cultivation readiness, seed availability, and market linkages.

The meeting brought together senior officials from key jute-growing states including Assam, Odisha, Nagaland, and Meghalaya, along with major institutions such as the Directorate of Jute Development (DoJD), ICAR–CRIJAF, National Jute Board (NJB), Jute Corporation of India (JCI), and NRSC–ISRO. Notably, West Bengal and Bihar—India’s largest jute producers—were not represented.

Focus on Crop Readiness and Seed Supply

The conference undertook a comprehensive review of:

• Sowing progress and acreage coverage

• Availability and timely distribution of certified high-yielding seeds

• Adoption of improved cultivation practices

• Preparedness for retting operations, critical for fibre quality

Officials stressed that ensuring timely seed availability and field-level monitoring will be crucial for maintaining productivity this season.

Jute-ICARE Scheme Continues to Drive Modernisation

The Ministry highlighted ongoing implementation of the Jute-ICARE (Improved Cultivation and Advanced Retting Exercise) Scheme, which remains central to sectoral reform.

The scheme supports farmers through:

• Distribution of certified seeds

• Access to mechanisation tools

• On-field demonstrations of improved practices

This initiative aims to enhance both yield and fibre quality, while reducing labour intensity.

ISRO-Backed Digital Monitoring System Unveiled

A key innovation showcased at the meeting was the Jute Crop Information System, presented by NRSC, ISRO.

The system leverages geospatial technology to:

• Monitor crop growth in real time

• Estimate acreage accurately

• Enable data-driven policy decisions

Officials said this marks a major step toward precision agriculture and evidence-based planning in the jute sector.

MoU to Boost Jute Value Chain in Northeast

In a significant development, a tripartite MoU was signed between:

• North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC)

• National Jute Board (NJB)

• Jute Corporation of India (JCI)

The agreement aims to strengthen backward and forward linkages in the North Eastern Region (NER).

Key objectives include:

• Improving market access and price realisation for farmers

• Strengthening procurement and aggregation systems

• Promoting processing and value addition within the region

This is expected to unlock new economic opportunities in the Northeast’s jute ecosystem.

Centre Calls for Better Coordination and Infrastructure

Secretary Rao emphasized the need for:

• Strengthened retting infrastructure to improve fibre quality

• Increased mechanisation to reduce drudgery

• Enhanced coordination between Centre and States

States were advised to closely monitor field conditions and proactively address operational challenges during the crop cycle.

Strategic Push for Farmer Income and Sustainability

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to:

• Improving productivity and fibre quality

• Enhancing farmer incomes

• Promoting sustainable and modern jute cultivation practices

With growing global demand for eco-friendly fibres, jute—often called the “golden fibre”—is increasingly seen as a key contributor to India’s green economy and rural livelihoods.