Improving fibre quality will be key to unlocking the full potential of Assam’s jute sector, even as the recent hike in the minimum support price (MSP) offers fresh momentum to growers in the state.
The Centre has fixed the MSP of raw jute (TD-3 grade) at ₹5,925 per quintal for the 2026-27 marketing season, raising hopes among farmers. However, experts caution that price support alone will not transform the sector unless productivity and fibre quality improve significantly.
Assam remains one of India’s important jute-producing states, but yields in many areas continue to lag behind the national average. Agricultural specialists attribute this gap largely to traditional cultivation practices, limited use of certified seeds, and inadequate retting infrastructure, which often results in medium-grade fibre.
Industry observers say better-quality fibre is essential if Assam’s farmers are to access premium markets and benefit from the growing global demand for eco-friendly natural fibres.
At present, the jute industry remains heavily dependent on government procurement. Nearly 80 per cent of jute production is used for manufacturing bags for foodgrain packaging under statutory requirements. Experts warn that such dependence makes the sector vulnerable to policy shifts and fluctuations in public distribution demand.
To ensure long-term sustainability, stakeholders are calling for rapid diversification into value-added products such as lifestyle textiles, geo-textiles, shopping bags and home décor items. With rising environmental concerns and restrictions on single-use plastics, jute is increasingly seen as a viable green alternative.
Government initiatives, including the Jute-ICARE programme, have shown encouraging results. The adoption of practices such as line sowing, use of seed drills and certified seeds has reportedly improved yields by 10–15 per cent while reducing labour costs.
Officials believe mechanisation and scientific retting can significantly enhance fibre quality and farmer incomes. However, scaling up these interventions remains challenging because most jute growers in Assam are small and marginal farmers with limited access to modern inputs and infrastructure.
Experts emphasise that targeted investment in quality seeds, retting facilities, farmer training and MSME-led product diversification will determine whether Assam can fully capitalise on the opportunities in the global jute market.
For the state’s traditional “golden fibre,” the message is clear: better quality, not just better prices, will shape the future of Assam’s jute economy.
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