India’s jute production stagnant for years; 100L ton expected in 22-23

India’s jute and mesta production is expected to decrease to 100 lakh tons in the current kharif season 2022-23 as the sowing area has shrunk, according to the government’s latest estimate. The country produced 103.17 lakh tons of jute and mesta last year. The government data reveals that the production of the two crops has been stagnant for years. 

India may miss its jute and mesta production target this year, which was set at 105 lakh ton, the Union ministry of agriculture said in its first advance estimate report. India produced 103.17 lakh tons in the last season. 

According to the report, jute production is likely to decrease to 96.64 lakh tons this year from 99.08 lakh tons last season. However, mesta production may inch up from 4.09 lakh tons to 4.26 lakh tons in the current season. Mesta’s specifications are almost similar to jute, but it can tolerate moisture stress and cultivation is spread in different agro-climatic situation, unlike jute, which is concentrated only in the eastern and north-eastern parts of the country. 

India’s jute and mesta production has not only been stagnant for years but also dropped from the production level achieved more than one decade ago. The combined production of the two crops was 93.54 lakh tons in 2020-21, 98.77 lakh tons in 2019-20 and 98.20 lakh tons in 2018-19. The production was recorded at 118.17 lakh tons in 2009-2010, 116.90 lakh tons in 2013-14 and 109.62 lakh tons in 2016-17. 

Jute’s demand is on the rise as it is an eco-friendly material for packaging and an alternative for plastic packaging. But India has failed to increase its jute production despite an increase in the minimum support price which was increased to RS 4,750 per quintal for the current season 2022-23 from RS 4,500 per quintal in the previous season. MSP was RS 2,200 per quintal in 2012-13.