National Jute Board

The National Jute Board (NJB) is an autonomous statutory body under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, responsible for the overall promotion, development, and regulation of the jute industry in the country. Established to strengthen and modernise one of India’s oldest and most important natural fibre sectors, the NJB plays a vital role in supporting farmers, manufacturers, and exporters associated with jute and jute-based products. It aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian jute through research, technology upgradation, market development, and sustainable practices.

Establishment and Legal Framework

The National Jute Board was constituted on 12 April 2010 under the National Jute Board Act, 2008 (Act No. 12 of 2009). It was formed through the merger of three pre-existing organisations—the Jute Manufacturers Development Council (JMDC), the National Centre for Jute Diversification (NCJD), and the Jute Commissioner’s Office.
The formation of NJB aimed to consolidate various functions and create a unified institutional mechanism for policy implementation, coordination, and development of the jute sector. The Board operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Textiles, with its headquarters in Kolkata, West Bengal, the hub of India’s jute industry.

Objectives and Functions

The NJB was established to facilitate the integrated growth and sustainable development of the Indian jute sector, covering every stage from fibre cultivation to end-product export. Its core objectives include:

• Promoting production, processing, and marketing of jute and jute products.
• Enhancing product diversification and encouraging innovation in jute-based materials.
• Supporting research and development (R&D) for modernisation and technological improvement.
• Promoting exports of jute goods and ensuring global market access.
• Implementing welfare schemes for jute workers and supporting livelihood opportunities for farmers.
• Facilitating the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic materials through jute promotion.
• Assisting in the enforcement of the Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory Use in Packing Commodities) Act, 1987.

The Board acts as a bridge between the government, industry, and other stakeholders, ensuring coordinated policy planning and execution.

Organisational Structure

The NJB is governed by a Board of Management chaired by the Secretary (Textiles) or a representative nominated by the Government of India. It comprises representatives from:

• Central and state governments,
• Jute mills and exporters,
• Jute growers and cooperatives,
• Research institutions, and
• Industry associations.

The Jute Commissioner, based in Kolkata, functions as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Board, overseeing implementation of various schemes and regulatory measures.

The Indian Jute Industry: Background and Importance

Jute is one of India’s oldest traditional industries, often referred to as the “Golden Fibre” due to its lustre and economic significance. India is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of jute and jute products, second only to Bangladesh.
Key facts:

• Major jute-growing states: West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, Odisha, and Tripura.
• Employment: The sector provides direct and indirect employment to nearly 4 million people, including farmers, mill workers, and artisans.
• Uses: Jute is primarily used for making gunny bags, ropes, carpets, mats, geotextiles, and decorative items, and is increasingly being adopted for eco-friendly packaging solutions.

The jute industry also plays a crucial role in rural development and environmental sustainability, as jute is biodegradable, recyclable, and renewable.

Developmental and Promotional Activities of NJB

The NJB undertakes a wide range of activities to promote the jute sector, covering areas such as technology, market expansion, design, and skill development.
1. Market Promotion and Diversification

• Organises trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and exhibitions in India and abroad.
• Promotes diversified jute products (DJPs) such as handicrafts, lifestyle accessories, furnishings, and fashion items.
• Encourages the use of jute in home décor, stationery, and packaging industries.
• Supports branding and marketing campaigns, including initiatives like Jute Mark India.

2. Technology and Quality Upgradation

• Funds modernisation of jute mills and adoption of energy-efficient machinery.
• Promotes mechanised retting, improved seed varieties, and better fibre extraction techniques.
• Encourages use of Jute Geotextiles (JGT) and Jute Agrotextiles (JAT) in civil engineering and agriculture.

3. Export Promotion

• Assists exporters through financial support schemes, participation in international trade shows, and export awareness programmes.
• Works in collaboration with the Jute Export Promotion Council (JEPC) and Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).
• Facilitates compliance with international quality standards to enhance market competitiveness.

4. Research and Development

• Collaborates with research bodies such as the Indian Jute Industries’ Research Association (IJIRA) and Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres (CRIJAF).
• Supports R&D projects for developing high-strength, water-resistant, and fire-retardant jute fabrics.
• Promotes biodegradable composites and blends of jute with other natural or synthetic fibres.

5. Skill Development and Human Resource Support

• Implements training and capacity-building programmes for weavers, artisans, and small entrepreneurs.
• Encourages women’s empowerment and rural employment through the Jute Integrated Development Schemes (JIDS) and Jute Diversified Product Clusters (JDPCs).

6. Implementation of Statutory Provisions

• Enforces the Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory Use in Packing Commodities) Act, 1987, which mandates the use of jute bags for packing agricultural commodities such as foodgrains and sugar. This regulation ensures steady demand for jute products and protects farmers’ interests.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Initiatives

As a natural and biodegradable fibre, jute aligns with global sustainability goals. The NJB promotes the use of jute as an eco-friendly substitute for plastic. Initiatives include:

• Encouraging production of biodegradable jute bags under the “Go Green with Jute” campaign.
• Promoting Jute Geotextiles for soil erosion control, riverbank protection, and road construction.
• Supporting organic farming through use of jute agro-mats and mulch fabrics.

These measures contribute to India’s commitment towards environmental conservation and sustainable industry practices.

Schemes and Programmes

The NJB implements several government schemes to strengthen the jute sector:

• Jute Integrated Development Scheme (JIDS): Focuses on skill development, entrepreneurship, and rural employment generation.
• Jute Diversified Product Development Scheme (JDPDS): Encourages innovation and product diversification.
• Jute Infrastructure Development Scheme (JIDS): Aims at modernisation of jute mills and production units.
• Export Market Development Assistance (EMDA): Provides financial support to exporters participating in international exhibitions.
• Market Development and Promotion Scheme (MDPS): Promotes awareness and demand for jute products in domestic and international markets.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite its strengths, the jute sector faces several challenges, including fluctuating raw jute prices, competition from synthetic fibres, and technological obsolescence in older mills. Issues such as poor retting practices, limited modernisation, and market volatility have also affected productivity.
The NJB is addressing these concerns by:

• Promoting mechanical retting and improved seed varieties for better fibre quality.
• Encouraging innovation and diversification in product design and usage.
• Strengthening domestic and export markets through aggressive marketing and policy support.
• Facilitating public-private partnerships for infrastructure and technological development.

Significance in the National Economy

The National Jute Board plays a central role in sustaining an industry that is economically, socially, and environmentally vital to India. The jute sector contributes significantly to rural employment, export earnings, and environmental sustainability.