The Hindu Business Line : AP emerging as hub for jute, mesta products

The number of jute-based units had increased from 22 in 1993-94 to 121 today, providing employment to 12,000 workers. Besides, the State currently has four composite mills and 18 yarn and twine mills.

According to the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Suthirtha Bhattacharya, Andhra Pradesh tops the list of mesta-producing States in the country.

Last year, the estimated production of mesta, an agro-produce having features similar to that of jute, was 5.95 lakh bales.

Mesta is also a valuable raw material for the paper industry and hence has bright prospects for growth.

Mr Bhattarcharya said that though mesta was a vital crop in the North Coastal districts of Vizianagaram and Srikakulam, the historical town of Warangal in the State had become the centre of excellence for production of jute floor coverings that have immense export potential.

Currently, Rs 2 crore worth of jute floor coverings and Rs 9.5 crore worth of jute yarn per annum was being exported from the State.

Considering this potential, he said that the growth could be further accelerated through the improvement of quality of mesta fibre by adopting improved agricultural practices, production technology and extension of processing and finishing facilities.

However, the State Government could not notify the mesta seed so far as it was not included in the Seed Act. This bottleneck would go once the new Seed Act, which included mesta as a crop, came into force in another six months.

Meanwhile, Mr Bhattarcharya said, efforts would be made to standardise and popularise mesta seed developed by agricultural research institutes in the State.

The Jute Manufacturing Development Council (JMDC) was also developing a mesta variety that would have better spinnability.

The first jute mill was established in 1855 in West Bengal for manufacturing of sacks. Since then, the Indian jute industry has proliferated into making diverse utility, home décor, lifestyle and engineering products.

At present, India produces 95 lakh bales of jute and exports 2 lakh tonne of jute goods worth about Rs 750 crore per annum.

As per JMDC, the global trend of opting for natural products in various sectors holds bright prospects for the industry.