Centre Reviews Jute Crop Readiness, Signs Mou For Northeast Sector Boost
The Ministry of Textiles has reviewed the status of jute cultivation and preparedness for the ongoing crop season, while also signing a key agreement to strengthen the jute value chain in the Northeast.
The review was chaired by Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary (Textiles) and brought together senior officials from major jute-growing states including Assam, Odisha, Nagaland and Meghalaya, along with key industry bodies.
The meeting reviewed sowing progress, seed availability, adoption of improved cultivation practices and preparedness for retting operations aimed at enhancing fibre quality. The Ministry highlighted ongoing support under the Jute-ICARE scheme, which promotes better seeds, mechanisation and field-level interventions.
During the conference, National Remote Sensing Centre presented a jute crop information system using geospatial technology to improve crop monitoring, acreage estimation and data-driven decision-making.
In a significant development, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation, National Jute Board and Jute Corporation of India to strengthen both backward and forward linkages in the North Eastern Region.
The agreement aims to improve market access for farmers, enhance procurement systems, and promote processing and value addition within the region.
The Secretary emphasised the need for timely availability of certified high-yielding seeds, improved retting infrastructure, greater mechanisation and stronger coordination between central and state agencies.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to boosting productivity, fibre quality, and farmer incomes through coordinated interventions across the jute sector.
