Sugar mills want complete exemption from packing in jute bags

As of now, 20% of the sugar has to be compulsorily packed in jute bags

Sugar mills have sought complete exemption from packing in jute sacking bags for 2017-18. The industry says sugar as a commodity is unsuitable for packaging in jute bags and hence, should be relieved from the compulsory Jute Packaging Materials Act (JPMA), 1987, as has been done for cement and fertilisers in the past. As of now, 20 per cent of the sugar has to be compulsorily packed in jute bags.

Sugar mills have argued that the industry has to bear an additional burden of Rs 350 crore if the mandatory jute packaging order is continued for 2017-18. This concern is