Government gives approval for 100 per cent packaging of food grains in jute bags

By: Pune Pulse

December 9, 2023

Pune: According to an official statement, the Government has given its approval for compulsory packaging of all food grains and 20 per cent of sugar in various jute bags for the Jute Year 2023-24.

The current proposal’s reservation regulations would additionally safeguard the welfare of domestic raw jute and jute packaging material production in India, thus promoting self-sufficiency in line with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

Around 65% of the raw jute produced in the country (in 2022-23) is reserved for packaging in jute packaging material. The implementation of the JPM Act by the Government aims to provide relief to 4 lakh workers employed in jute mills and ancillary units, as well as support the livelihood of approximately 40 lakh farm families.

Additionally, this measure will contribute to environmental protection due to the natural, biodegradable, renewable, and reusable nature of jute fiber, fulfilling all sustainability parameters, as stated in the release.

The Jute industry holds a significant position in the overall national economy of India, with a particular focus on the Eastern Region. This region includes West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Notably, the industry plays a crucial role in the economic development of the Eastern Region, especially in West Bengal.

The JPM Act’s reservations regulations ensure that 4 lakh workers and 40 lakh farmers in the Jute Sector are directly employed. Enacted in 1987, the JPM Act safeguards the interests of jute farmers, workers, and individuals involved in jute goods’ production. Jute Sacking Bags account for 75% of the Jute Industry’s total production, with 85% being supplied to the Food Corporation of India (FCl) and State Procurement Agencies (SPAs), while the rest is either exported or sold directly.

The Indian government procures jute sacking bags valued at around Rs. 12,000 crores annually to package food grains, thereby providing a secure market for jute farmers and workers.

The production of Jute Sacking Bags averages around 30 lakh bales (9 lakh MT). The government is dedicated to guaranteeing the full consumption of the sacking production of jute bags to safeguard the welfare of jute farmers, workers, and individuals involved in the jute industry.