The jute industry in India is undergoing a significant revitalization, thanks to targeted government support programs aimed at boosting production, modernizing infrastructure, and increasing market demand for eco-friendly jute products. As one of the oldest and most labor-intensive industries in India, the jute sector plays a vital role in generating employment, particularly in states like West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, and Odisha, while also contributing to sustainable agriculture and manufacturing.

The government’s renewed focus on jute comes in response to growing global awareness about sustainable alternatives to plastic and synthetic materials. Programs such as the Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory Use in Packing Commodities) Act 1987, which mandates the use of jute bags for packaging food grains and sugar, have provided a steady demand for jute products. The recent amendments to expand the scope of this mandate have further strengthened the market for jute mills and farmers.

Additionally, schemes like the Jute Integrated Development Scheme (JIDS) and the National Jute Board (NJB) initiatives are supporting jute farmers and manufacturers by promoting the modernization of jute mills, skill development, and technological upgradation. Efforts to provide financial assistance for machinery upgrades, research into bio-degradable jute products, and incentives for innovation are improving productivity and quality across the value chain.

The Jute SMART (Sustainable Modernization and Reforms Through Technology) initiative has introduced digital procurement platforms, streamlining the supply chain and improving transparency in pricing and procurement processes. This ensures better returns for jute farmers and reduced operational costs for manufacturers.

In line with sustainability goals, the government is actively promoting value-added jute products, such as geotextiles, jute composites, handicrafts, and home décor items, which cater to both domestic and international markets. Jute geo-textiles, in particular, are gaining traction for their applications in road construction, erosion control, and agricultural mulching due to their eco-friendly and durable properties.

To support farmers, initiatives like the Jute I-CARE (Improved Cultivation and Advanced Retting Exercise) program are helping improve yield and quality by providing better seeds, training, and advanced retting technologies, which enhance fiber extraction. By introducing scientific farming methods and sustainable cultivation practices, the government aims to raise productivity and reduce costs for jute farmers.

The government’s comprehensive approach to revitalizing the jute industry, through policy support, innovation, and market developmen, —has not only strengthened its competitiveness but has also positioned jute as a key solution in the global fight against environmental degradation. By promoting jute as a natural, renewable, and biodegradable resource, India is ensuring the industry’s sustainable growth, safeguarding livelihoods, and meeting the demands of an increasingly eco-conscious global market.