(a) whether despite investing hundreds of crores of rupees in the Jute Sector, the growth in this sector is still lagging behind;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor and the steps being taken by the Government to push up growth in Jute Sector;
(c) whether the Government have initiated any programme to promote Indian Jute products in overseas markets; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the benefits likely to accrue to the jute manufacturers and others connected thereto through this programme?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SHRI BASANAGOUDA R. PATIL (YATNAL)
(a) No Sir. The production of jute goods has increased from 12.78 lakh MT in 1991-92 to 16.01 lakh MT in 2001-02, and production of raw jute including mesta, has increased from 74.23 lakh bales in 1992-93 to 105 lakh bales during 2001-02. Also, with emphasis on Jute Diversified Products (JDPs), export of JDPs has grown significantly. The total value of export of JDPs has increased from Rs. 63.76 crores in 1997-98 to Rs. 134.74 crores in 2001-02.
(b) Does not arise.
(c ) Yes, Sir.
(d) The Government has initiated a number of measures to promote Indian jute products in the overseas market. The Jute Manufactures Development Council (JMDC) which is a statutory body is implementing various export promotion measures, which include organising/participation in various trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, workshops and seminars in the domestic and export markets. The Government has introduced innovative schemes during the year 2002-03 viz extension of External Market Assistance scheme for one year from April 2002 under which subsidy is provided for export of specified category of jute goods at varying rates. The Government has also introduced the Duty
Entitlement Pass Book Scheme (DEPB) on jute goods w.e.f. July, 2002. These measures have contributed to a growth of about 47% in the export of jute goods during the year 2002-03 over the year 2001-02.