Jute goods production dips in 2013-14

Jute goods production came down by 63,000 tonnes in 2013-14 to 15.28 lakh tonnes compared to the previous year, a gunny traders body official said today.
"Total production in 2013-14 was 15.28 lakh tonnes against 15.91 lakh tonne in the previous year. The reduction in production of 63,000 tonne was due to curtailment of orders by government for procurement of B.Twill jute bags," Gunny Traders Association President G G Beriwal said here.
However, exports were marginally higher to 1.8 lakh tonnes (LT) worth Rs USD 340 million in FY 14', while in the previous year the export quantity was 1.82 LT.

Meanwhile, former association President Arun Seth, critical about the industry, remained optimistic and urged the industry players to induce professionalism to revive the industry.
"We have neglected the competition from plastics and worked as monopoly in the industry which encouraged our customers to shift from jute," he said.
However, he said, if the jute sector works hard and overcomes the deficiencies like ensuring quality, this industry will come out of crisis.
"New sectors are willing to buy jute sacking like oil cake. Similarly we can have more orders if steady quality and quantity is ensured," Seth said.