The jute plant is an annual plant that thrives best in moist soil in a hot, humid climate. Seeds are hand-sown, and plants mature in three months, often averaging a height of 10 to 12 feet (3 to 3.6 meters). Their light green leaves are arrow-shaped, and small yellow flowers bloom singly or in clusters. Jute is classified scientifically in the genus Corchorus.
The plants are harvested when the blossoms first begin to shed. The cut stalks are sorted according to length and gathered into bundles. They are then placed in shallow pools of stagnant water where they are allowed to ret, or ferment. When they have become soft enough, the fibers are separated from the stalks and then hung on lines to dry. After drying, the fibers are sorted, graded, and baled for export.
Burlap, low-grade twine, and many other products are made from jute. Because it is low-priced and adaptable, jute is second only to cotton in world consumption of natural fibers. India, China, and Bangladesh are the leading producers.
In the environment conscious world today, the Golden Fibre has proved to be immensely popular. It is biodegradable and therefore environment friendly; so the products merge with the soil after sustained use. In turn, it enriches the soil with organic substance and helps to grow better crops. On combustion, its fumes are non- toxic and produce no residue. JRP (Jute Reinforced Plastic) is widely used to pack tea and fruits especially for its excellent �breathing qualities�. It effectively packs garments, cement, fertilizers and other products as well. Geo-jute has been developed to control erosion on mountain slopes, canal banks and railway sidings. It also helps vegetation to grow - naturally. Jute has also proved to be the ideal replacement of wood.
The Indian jute sector, comprising the organized jute industry and a large number of decentralized/cottage units, has now reached the stage of producing materials, which are not only durable, but also attractive from the esthetic sense. Numerous end-uses have been found for the golden fibre to meet the requirements of the connoisseurs.
The array of products now being manufactured from jute are endless. From fine silk, finished fabrics, versatile furnishings to intricately designed oriental carpets - jute makes them all.
Moulded furniture, Wall Hangings, Swing Chairs, Flower Pot Holders, Tea Coasters, Mats, Blankets, Slippers, Shopping Bags, Bead Curtains, Dolls, Soft Luggage, Briefcases, Skirts, Jackets, Lamp Shades, Floor Runners, Panels, Boards and a whole lot more. Inexpensive & Aesthetic. The products are ideal for homes, offices, and public places.
Over the years India has been witnessing the use of petroleum buy-products mainly arising out of inadequate supply of jute products. While Polypropylene and High Density Polyethylene woven sacks are slowly eating into the jute sacking market, currently, the demand for jute in India is higher than the supply due to an increase in the consumption pattern and a decrease in the raw jute supply. The govt. of India also offers protection to the jute industry under the Jute Packaging and Materials Act requiring food grains and sugar in the country to be packed in jute bags. This apart, Indian jute products have a tremendous potentiality in the overseas market with USA, UK, South Africa and Belgium being the major buyers accounting for around 25% of India's production.