One of the oldest industries of the world and the traditional packer of the merchandise, jute has now important uses as a textile and non-textile fibre. Its usage protects environment and helps maintain ecological balance. Jute's versatility conforms to world's requirement for natural options.

Jute, as a natural fibre, has definite inherent advantages like silky lustre, high tensile strength, low extensibility, considerable heat and fire resistance and long staple lengths. Jute is also available in inexhaustible quantities at competitive prices.

Supported by several technological developments, jute can today replace expensive fibres and scarce forest materials. It has now become possible to visualize jute not only as a major textile fibre, but also as a raw material for manufacturing products, which help to protect environment and maintain ecological balance - now accepted as an integral part of any development planning.

The Indian jute sector, comprising the organized jute industry and a large number of decentralized/cottage units, has now reached the stage of producing materials, which are not only durable, but also attractive from the aesthetic sense. Numerous end-uses have been found for the golden fibre to meet the requirements of the connoisseurs.

The Indian Jute
The world's largest producer of raw jute and jute goods, contributing to over 50 percent and 40 percent respectively of the global production.

Industry produces around 1.5 million metric tonnes of jute goods and ranks second biggest exporter, worth of around US $180 million.

Provides employment to over 4 million farmers and 0.2 million factory workers.

Besides large industry, there are many small and medium jute enterprises in India who produce a very wide range of utility, decorative and fashion products like home textiles, floor coverings, hand and shopping bags, wall decorative, gift articles, etc.

JUTE MANUFACTURES DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (JMDC)....is the national catalytic agency for the promotion of jute and jute products. An Act of Parliament created JMDC in 1983 and the Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Textiles acts as the chairman of the Council.

JMDC is a body comprising of representatives from all sectors including growers of jute and producers and exporters of jute products, experts, workmen engaged in production as well as different departments of the Government of India and local governments of Jute growing States.

The Council's prime objective is to make proper arrangements for better marketing of jute products. Effectively, it is engaged in multi-dimensional activities.

• Providing trade opportunity services to manufacturers and exporters.
• Organising participation in specialised trade fairs.
• Sponsoring market exploratory missions.
• Conducting buyer-seller meets and contact promotion programmes.
• Providing design and marketing support to exporters.
• Conducting product and market specific studies.

• Indian Jute - A statistical bulletin containing various information about jute and jute products with particular reference to India.
• Indian Jute - A newsletter featuring happenings in the world of jute and jute textile.
• Directory - A valuable statistical guide to the diversified jute products and its manufacturers in the informal sector.

• Food Grade Jute Bags and Cloth - Preserving the natural - cocoa and coffee beans and edible nuts.
• Jute Geotextiles - The utility fabric for geotechnical solution.
• Jute Composites - An eco-friendly solution for interior, building and transport.