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Strategy for jute
The recent approval by the Planning Commission to set up a jute technology
mission on the lines of the cotton technology mission, though late, but an apt
move. The effort once implemented will go a long way in rejuvenating the jute
sector which has so far been not successful in drawing the attention of policy
makers. Moreover, the ministry is also planning to chalk out a special policy
on jute for the overall development of this sector. Such a policy formulation
assumes significance as the industry requires a comprehensive road map to face
the future challenge. This will enable integration of efforts at various levels
towards convergence for common goal. On one hand, there is need to find out
alternative usage of jute fibre and on the other, there is need to create demand
for such products. Apart from traditional jute products, jute fibres can find
usage in a huge non traditional segment. One area that has got huge potential
is geo textiles. With the textile ministry preparing an action plan to set up
a strong domestic technical textile base, the demand for fibres like jute will
certainly go up manifold in coming years. According to a latest report by the
office of the textile commissioner, the market size and potential of technical
textile component in 12 segments of the technical textiles has been estimated
at around Rs 19,130 crore; and by 2007-08, the same is expected to be around
29,579 crore. Most importantly, geo textiles will account for around 10 per
cent of the total market (technical component).
Towards promoting jute, all stateholders will have to work together under a
common institutional mechanism. In fact, it is high time that a well-planned
strategy is chalked out to bail the domestic jute industry out of its current
state. Over 40 lakh farmers and more than 2.5 lakh workers are directly involved
in the industry, one of the largest employers in the country. The industry has
huge potential to emerge as a major foreign exchange earner for the country,
particularly at a time when the global demand is shifting towards natural fibres.
The fibre has got a distinct advantage over synthetic alternatives in terms
of its environment friendly image. There is need to diversify the usage of jute
fibre. There should be proper efforts to develop new technologies, processes
and value-added products in the non-textile field by developing jute-based substitutes.
The only way the industry can survive is by imparting a perceptible export orientation
to its products and developing new products and applications. The moot point
is that the industry will have to move out from sheer commodity production to
value-added speciality production. Towards this end, there is need for increased
focus on research and development. As part of strategy, product development
and market development should go on simultaneously.
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