Question : PROMOTION DEVELOPMENT OF JUTE INDUSTRY

(a) whether the Government proposes to promote and develop the jute industry in the country specially in West Bengal and Tripura;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether there has been a shortfall of supply from mills or demand of jute bags in the country during the last three years and the current year;

(d) if so, the details thereof and reasons therefor along with the steps taken by the Government to augment the supply of jute bags and their demand, State-wise;

(e) whether some States have not procured full amount of jute bags as promised and are shifting to use of plastic bags; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) IN THE MINISTRY OF TEXTILES (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a): Yes, Madam.

(b): Government of India is taking various steps to promote and develop the jute industry in the country including West Bengal and Tripura. Some of the important measures undertaken include the Jute Technology Mission (2007-13). Compulsory packaging of certain essential commodities under the Jute Packaging Material (Compulsory use in packaging commodities), 1987. Minimum Support Price (MSP) operation in raw jute to protect the interest of the jute farmers. The National Jute Board (NJB) runs various scheme for the promotion & development of various linkages of the Jute Value Chain.

(c): The demand of jute bags and supply of jute bags during the year 2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14 and current year is as under:-

	(Quantity in 000 Bales) 
	2011-12	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15	(Khariff+Rabi)	(Khariff+Rabi)	(Khariff+Rabi)	(Khariff) Demand of	2685.0	3817.0	2344.0	970.6 Jute bags Supply of	2599.0	2659.0	2340.0	952.0 Jute bags Short fall in	86.0	1158.0	4.0	18.6 jute bag supply against demand