As orders decline and prices drop below MSP, the jute crisis worsens.
The jute industry is grappling with a worsening crisis as declining orders and falling prices put immense pressure on growers and manufacturers. Prices for raw jute have dropped below the Minimum Support Price (MSP), leaving farmers in a dire situation. The lack of sufficient procurement by government agencies has exacerbated the issue, forcing many to sell their produce at significantly lower rates.
Adding to the woes, export orders for jute products have diminished, affected by global economic slowdowns and competition from synthetic alternatives. Jute mills are struggling to sustain operations due to rising input costs and reduced demand for products like gunny bags and ropes, leading to closures and job losses across major production hubs such as Bengal and Assam.
The situation calls for immediate intervention, including increased government procurement at MSP, incentives for jute exports, and investment in technology to modernize the sector. Without robust measures, the jute industry, a lifeline for thousands of farmers and workers, risks further decline, undermining its role as a key contributor to sustainable agriculture and manufacturing in India.
