(a) the total number of families of workers dependent for their livelihood on jute sector, State-wise including Karnataka and Maharashtra;
(b) whether the Government has formulated any plan for development of jute sector and to increase the quality and productivity of raw jute including for diversification of jute sector, if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government for boosting and sustaining the demand for jute products?
MINISTER OF TEXTILES
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)
(a): The number of workers is 1.70 lacs (approx) working in jute mills as per data received from jute mills as on 31.03.2019. There is no jute mill in the state of Karnataka and Maharashtra.
(b) & (c): The Ministry of Textiles has been taking all possible measures for development of jute sector and to increase quality and productivity of raw jute including diversification of jute sector through implementing various schemes such as Jute-ICARE (Improved Cultivation and Advanced Retting Exercise) programme for increasing the productivity and quality of jute, Incentive Scheme for Acquisition of Plants and Machinery (ISAPM) for facilitating modernization and upgradation of technology in existing/ new jute mills and JDP units, Jute Integrated Development (JID) Scheme provides basic, advance and design trainings and training cum production centre, Jute Raw Material Bank (JRMB) Scheme to supply jute raw materials to MSME units and artisans engaged in production of jute diversified products at mill gate price.
The schemes/activities namely, Retail Outlet Scheme, Export Market Development Assistance (EMDA) and Market promotion activities (domestic / international) are also being implemented by NJB for boosting and sustaining the demand for jute products.
Apart from above schemes, mandatory reservation under JPM Act, 1987 for packaging of foodgrains in jute bags procured by different State Procurement Agencies and FCI has been made so there is no dearth of orders for jute bags to the various jute mills.
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