It is a vast fibre obtained from one
of the most important cash crop in Eastern India and is also exported as raw &
manufactured goods – earning huge foreign exchange. The fibre is chiefly used for
cushion, carpet backing and mostly, for making sacks – required for storing,
transporting grains, pulses, sugar, minerals etc. all over the world. Jute sticks are used
for fuel and making gunpowder charcoal. It is also used as a raw material for
manufacturing coarser papers. The average area of cultivation in West Bengal is 620135
hectare and production about 7,50,500 bales. The corresponding All India figures are 919.5
thousand hectare and 10011.3 thousand bales respectively.
B.K. Roy, founder of Pallishree Ltd. was pioneer entrepreneur in
popularising outstandingly improved variety JRO-632 in W.B., immediately after
Independence, by the Brand name "STAR" – which is still popular
among Jute growers. Of-late a still more improved variety JRO-524 (Navin) – growing
both in early and late season – is more often in use. The Company sells about 200 MT.
per annum.
