03 Oct Jute, the Golden Fibre – An Overview
जूट- गोल्डन फाइबर का सिंहावलोकन Jute is considered as the golden fibre of India. It is the commercially available natural fibre which is utilized mostly as packaging material, nowadays facing a steep competition from cheap synthetics in packaging sector. Besides the traditional packaging sector, jute has been used in both textile and non-textile sectors in large and small industries. Jute is eco-friendly, biodegradable and has much higher CO2 assimilation rate which is creating an opportunity for the survival and growth of jute industry in the era of environmental concern. Global production of jute and allied fibres is around 3.0 million tonnes, 92.5% of which comes from India and Bangladesh alone. India ranks first in area and production of jute followed by Bangladesh and earns approximately Rs. 1400 crores/annum through export of jute goods mainly Jute diversified products (JDPs). Emergence of technologies for quality improvement and diversification of jute includes blending of jute with other natural or man-made fibres for furnishing, interior decoration, garments, dress materials, geotextiles, agrotextiles, handicrafts, soft luggage etc. Adoption of these technologies will create employment opportunities and income generation by small entrepreneurship in the rural areas. Jute based geotextiles and agro textiles have potential applications in soil conservation, protection of river bank, road construction etc. The crop is...