India's Jute Economy
The Golden Fibre
An overview of jute, called the golden fibre, how India became the world's largest producer, and where it is grown and used.
Jute is called the golden fibre.
What it is
A long, shiny plant fibre used for sacks, ropes and fabrics.
Production
India is the world’s largest jute producer, followed by Bangladesh.
Where
West Bengal grows most of India’s jute, followed by Bihar and Assam.
Uses
- Gunny bags for grains and sugar.
- Hessian cloth.
- Ropes, mats and bags.
Employment
Jute supports lakhs of farmers and mill workers.
Eco-friendly
Jute is biodegradable, an alternative to plastic.
The gunny sack
Wheat procured by the government is packed in jute gunny bags made in Kolkata.
Thinking jute is an obsolete fibre
It still supports lakhs of livelihoods.
Key takeaways
- Jute is the golden fibre.
- India is the largest producer.
- West Bengal grows most.
- Jute is biodegradable.
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