New Delhi: The government led by PM Narendra Modi has approved reservation rules for mandatory use of jute in packaging for the jute year 2021-22 (July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022). Under the necessary package rules approved for the jute year 2021-22, it has been made mandatory to pack 100% of foodgrains and 20% of sugar in jute bags. The jute industry has a significant contribution to India's national economy in general and especially in the eastern region like West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is a major industry in the Eastern Region, especially in West Bengal.

State that the jute sector provides direct employment to 3.7 lakh workers and 40 lakh farmers. This will boost domestic production of raw jute and jute packaging materials in India, which will help make the country self-reliant. The government buys jute sacks worth Rs 8,000 crore every year and thus ensures market guarantees for the production of jute farmers and labourers. The reservation rules under the JPM Act benefit 3.7 lakh labourers and 40 lakh farmers in the jute sector. The JPM Act, 1987 protects the interests of jute farmers, workers and those engaged in the production of jute goods.

State that 75% of the total production of jute industry is jute selling bags, out of which 90% is supplied to Food Corporation of India (FCI) and State Procurement Agencies (SPA) and the remaining production is exported/sold directly. The Government of India procures jute sacking bags worth Rs 8,000 crore per annum for packing foodgrains, ensuring guaranteed market for their produce to jute farmers and workers.

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