Textiles ministry okays 10% dilution in jute packaging order for foodgrains

Decision on further relaxation of jute order for foodgrains is expected to be taken later this month

Amid a projected shortfall of more than 0.17 million bales (one bale is 180 kg) of B-Twill jute bags during the Rabi marketing season (RMS) for 2016-17, the Union textiles ministry has allowed a dilution of 10 per cent in the mandatory jute packaging order for food grains.

The estimated shortfall in B-Twill sacking bags will be offset by the use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) bags. The department of food & public distribution is now empowered to take the call on use of plastic bags to meet the packaging requirement, the textiles ministry said in an office order.