The Government under the National Jute Development Program (NJDP) has been implementing the Market Development & Promotion Scheme and the Jute Diversification Scheme for the promotion of jute diversified products. During the last five years, an amount of Rs. 124.45 crore has been earmarked for the implementation of these schemes. Under NJDP schemes, Capital Subsidy for Acquisition of Plant & Machinery Scheme, Jute Resource cum Production Centre, Jute Raw Material Bank & Production Linked Incentive schemes, the Government supports jute artisans, manufacturers, and exporters to enhance production and competitiveness.

The key challenges faced by the jute industry are obsolete machinery and technology, competition with synthetic fibres, average quality & fluctuation in price of raw jute. To address the challenges, the Government has been implementing the NJDP to promote the overall development of the jute sector. Under the provisions of the Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory Use in Packaging Commodities) Act, 1987, the Government ensures a minimum percentage of food grains and sugar is packaged in jute material to support the jute industry and farmers. Further, the Government incentivize jute farmers by the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for jute.

Jute is a biodegradable and sustainable product. The Government has been implementing NJDP with the aim of exploring the potential of jute use in both textile and non-textile applications, with value addition. Additionally, the Government has taken steps to boost the appeal of jute products among consumers through mass awareness campaigns, the display and promotion of diversified jute products through participation in jute fairs & exhibitions, and the facilitation of jute exporters' participation in international trade fairs/exhibitions, and the in centivisation of their sales.

This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.   

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MAM/VN

(Lok Sabha US Q493)

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