Raw jute output expected to be 10% higher this year

Backed by a favourable weather and adequate availability of seeds in the market, sowing of raw jute is estimated to be higher in 2011-12. The production of raw jute is therefore expected to be about ten per cent higher at about 110 lakh bales during the current year, according to senior officials in the jute industry.

Raw jute production was about 95-100 lakh bales in 2010-11. Jute sowing usually starts by the end of March and continues up to the end of May. “Sowing started in the first week of April across the various jute growing districts. The weather has been hot and humid with regular bouts of showers, which is ideal for sowing. Moreover, seeds and fertiliser are also available in plenty,” said a senior official in the industry.

Sowing pattern

Though the sowing pattern in various jute growing districts of West Bengal has shown a wide variety, however, overall the sowing has been better so far during the current year compared with the same period last year.

Murshidabad and Nadia, the two key jute producing districts of the State, accounting for almost 60 per cent of the country's total jute production, have witnessed a good sowing season so far during the current year. The semi northern parts of Malda district could witness about 20-25 per cent rise in sowing, while that in North Bengal could be up by about five-to-ten per cent, the official said.

Production

Raw jute production in 2010-11 was slightly lower inspite of good sowing as the harvesting was hampered because of lower-than-anticipated rainfall last year. “Murshidabad and Nadia districts in South Bengal were the worst affected last year due to poor rainfall. However, this year, the situation looks good and if the present weather condition prevails then we can certainly expect better crop this year,” he said.

The Directorate of Jute Development has estimated sowing coverage of 8, 65,000 hectare for jute and allied fibre during 2011-12. “So far reports, as available, show that the coverage in semi northern area is good and almost similar pattern is observed in other parts of West Bengal. The sowing report for Assam, Bihar and remaining jute growing areas is also satisfactory due to the prevailing favourable weather condition and availability of inputs for cultivation of jute and allied fibres,” he pointed out.

Sowing coverage

The estimated sowing coverage during the current year therefore could be close to 9, 50,000 hectares and the production would be about 109 lakh bales.

The increase in sowing is despite the rise in prices of seeds, which has gone up by about 40-50 per cent during the current year. “The seed prices have increased over the last one year, however, farmers are still cultivating the crop as they are bullish about the prices. The average price of raw jute was ruling around Rs 3,500 per quintal last year and this has encouraged farmers to cultivate the crop,” he observed.

The industry requires about 5,500-6,000 metric tonnes of seed to cover the jute growing areas on an annual basis.

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