Jute Farming
Jute Farming: Benefits, Varieties, and Techniques
Jute is one of the most important natural fibers after cotton. It is widely valued for its economic and environmental importance. About 85% of the world’s jute cultivation depends on favorable climate, weather, and soil conditions.
In India, jute is mainly cultivated in the plains of the Ganges delta, particularly in West Bengal and Bangladesh. Apart from these regions, jute is also grown in Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, China, and Pakistan.
🏺 History of Jute Farming
Ancient records mention that Pliny, a Roman scholar, documented the use of jute plants as food in ancient Egypt.
During the 17th century, under British rule, jute became an important material for making army uniforms, ropes, and gunny bags. British traders and the East India Company established several jute mills in Bengal. The jute industry grew rapidly and became essential for producing fishing nets, sacks, canvas, and even items for the defense sector.
Over time, jute became a multi-purpose crop, contributing to the textile, packaging, and handicraft industries.
🚜 Ploughing and Sowing Process
🌱 Soil and Climate
Jute requires warm and humid weather for proper growth.
- Temperature: Above 25°C
- Humidity: 70%–90%
- Rainfall: 160–200 cm annually
- Soil: Alluvial or loamy soil found in river basins
- Soil pH: Between 4.8 and 5.8
🌾 Land Preparation
Plough the land once using a soil-turning plough, followed by 2–3 ploughings with a local plough or cultivator. Then, level the field and make the soil crumbly to ensure good seed germination. Adequate moisture in the soil is essential before sowing.
🧬 Selection of Land
Flat land with good drainage capacity and moderate water retention is ideal for jute cultivation. Loamy and clay-loamy soils are considered the best.
🌿 Major Varieties of Jute
There are two main types of jute:
1. Capsularis (White Jute)
Also known as Safed Jute or Kakia Bombay, this type has bitter-tasting leaves. It is sown from February to March.
Recommended Varieties:
- JRC-321 – Early maturing, suitable for lowlands
- JRC-212 – Suitable for medium and high land
- UPC-94 (Reshma) – Lowland type, matures in 120–140 days
- JRC-698 – Sown in late March, suitable before paddy transplanting
- Ankit (NDC) – Suitable across India, sown from mid-February to mid-March
- NDC-9102 – Recommended for Eastern Uttar Pradesh
2. Olitorius (Tossa Jute)
Also known as Deo or Tossa Jute, it has sweet-tasting leaves and produces stronger fiber than white jute. It is ideal for higher lands and is sown from April to May.
Recommended Varieties:
- JRO-632 – For late sowing and uplands
- JRO-878 – Suitable for all types of soil
- JRO-7835 – High yielding and highly fertile variety
- JRO-524 (Naveen) – Suitable for mid-level land, matures in 120–140 days
- JRO-66 – Sown in May–June, matures in 100 days
🌦️ Climate and Major Regions
About 80% of India’s jute production comes from the Ganges delta region.
Main areas include West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, and parts of Bangladesh such as Dhaka, Mymensingh, Tangail, and Comilla.
These regions receive nutrient-rich silt and organic matter from annual floods, resulting in high-quality jute fiber.
🧺 Uses of Jute
Jute is known as a multi-purpose and zero-waste crop because every part of the plant is useful.
- Fiber: Used to make gunny bags, ropes, mats, carpets, canvas, and twine.
- Stems: Used to make charcoal and gunpowder.
- Leaves: In regions like Kishanpur (Saharsa, Bihar), leaves are used to make a nutritious local dish called “Saang.”
- Roots and Residues: Used as cattle feed and organic fertilizer.
Thus, jute is a 100% eco-friendly and value-generating crop.
💰 Low Investment, High Profit
In areas like Kishanpur in Saharsa district (Bihar), jute farming (locally called Patua farming) has become a major source of income for farmers.
Farmer Kailash Yadav says:
“We’ve been growing Patua for years. It gives good income, and the leaves are used to make Saang – a delicious and healthy dish popular in our region.”
Jute offers low cost, high returns, and year-round utility, making it one of the best options for small and medium farmers.
⚙️ Production Process of Jute
- Seed Sowing: February to May
- Thinning: When plants reach 15–20 cm in height
- Harvesting: 120–140 days after sowing
- Retting: The harvested plants are soaked in water to extract the fiber
- Drying and Sale: Fibers are washed, dried in sunlight, and sold in the market
🌱 Post-Harvest Use and Environmental Benefits
- Jute is an eco-friendly and biodegradable crop.
- It acts as a natural substitute for plastic, helping reduce pollution.
- It maintains soil fertility and improves organic content.
Jute thus supports both economic and environmental sustainability.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. In which states is jute farming practiced?
Mainly in West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, and Odisha.
2. Which soil is best for jute cultivation?
Alluvial or loamy soil found in river basins is ideal.
3. What is the best time to sow jute seeds?
From February to May, depending on the region.
4. How long does it take for jute plants to mature?
About 120 to 140 days.
5. How much rainfall is required for jute?
Around 160–200 cm annually.
6. What products are made from jute?
Sacks, ropes, mats, carpets, bags, cloth, and charcoal.
7. How is jute fiber extracted?
By soaking the harvested plants in water (retting process) and separating the fibers.
8. Which jute varieties are popular?
JRC-321, JRO-878, JRC-698, Reshma (UPC-94), and JRO-524.
9. What are the benefits of jute farming?
It gives high profit with low investment, and every part of the plant is useful.
10. Is jute environmentally friendly?
Yes, it’s 100% natural, biodegradable, and helps maintain soil health.
🌻 Conclusion: A Motivation for Indian Farmers
Jute farming is a powerful means of livelihood for Indian farmers.
With its low input cost, high returns, and complete utility, it is becoming a preferred crop across many regions.
If farmers adopt modern techniques, proper sowing time, and efficient water management, jute can significantly boost rural income and support sustainable agriculture.
🌾 Let’s promote eco-friendly and sustainable farming by encouraging jute cultivation — and make India the “Golden Land of Jute” once again! 🇮🇳