Jute production is anticipated to decrease by 20% this financial year.
This was stated by Shashi Bhushan Singh, Secretary of the National Jute Board.
Jute cultivation in West Bengal and Assam has been negatively affected due to natural calamities, particularly floods.
These floods have damaged crops, leading to a drop in production.
Jute exports have the potential to reach ₹4,500 crore annually.
Last financial year, the export value stood at ₹3,000 crore, and it is projected to reach almost ₹3,500 crore in the current fiscal.
Jute Technology Mission 2.0:
The National Jute Board is working on a draft for Jute Technology Mission 2.0.
The Board is conducting meetings with stakeholders to develop this mission.
The Board is supporting research projects to explore new applications for jute.
One of the research focuses is the extraction of ethanol from jute plants, with lab testing already completed.
It is estimated that one tonne of jute plant can yield 495 liters of ethanol.
There are plans to establish a pilot unit for ethanol extraction.
Another ongoing project aims to develop jute composite materials, expanding the potential uses of jute.
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