**Executive Summary**
This document is the answer to an unstarred question in Lok Sabha (No. 493) regarding the promotion of jute lifestyle products. The Minister of Textiles outlines the steps taken by the Government to promote jute-based products, including schemes, allocated funds, and challenges addressed. The answer is dated February 3, 2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **National Jute Development Program (NJDP)**
* The Government is implementing the Market Development & Promotion Scheme and the Jute Diversification Scheme.
* Rs. 124.45 crore has been earmarked for implementation over the last five years.
* NJDP schemes include Capital Subsidy for Acquisition of Plant & Machinery Scheme, Jute Resource cum Production Centre, Jute Raw Material Bank & Production Linked Incentive schemes.
* **Support for Jute Industry**
* The Government supports jute artisans, manufacturers, and exporters to enhance production and competitiveness.
* The Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory Use in Packaging Commodities) Act, 1987 ensures a minimum percentage of food grains and sugar is packaged in jute.
* Jute farmers are incentivized through the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for jute.
* **Challenges & Solutions**
* Key challenges: obsolete machinery and technology, competition with synthetic fibers, average quality, and fluctuating raw jute prices.
* Solutions: Implementing NJDP to promote the overall development of the jute sector.
* **Sustainability & Promotion**
* Jute is promoted as a biodegradable and sustainable product.
* Government aims to explore jute potential in both textile and non-textile applications.
* Mass awareness campaigns, jute fairs & exhibitions, and facilitation of exporter participation in international trade fairs are used to boost consumer appeal.
**Impact Analysis**
* **Jute Artisans, Manufacturers, and Exporters**
* **Impact:** Beneficiaries of financial schemes and government support designed to improve production, competitiveness, and market access.
* **Action Required:** Understand and utilize available schemes and incentives to modernize operations and enhance market presence.
* **Jute Farmers**
* **Impact:** Protected by the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for jute, ensuring a stable income.
* **Action Required:** Stay informed about the MSP and other supportive policies.
* **Consumers**
* **Impact:** Increased awareness of sustainable and eco-friendly jute products through promotional activities.
* **Action Required:** Consider jute products as an alternative to synthetic materials.
Key Entities Referenced
National Jute Development Program (NJDP): A government program focused on the development of the jute sector.
Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory Use in Packaging Commodities) Act, 1987: Legislation mandating the use of jute packaging for certain commodities.
Minimum Support Price (MSP): Government mechanism to incentivize jute farmers.
Ministry of Textiles: The ministry responsible for the textiles sector and answering the question.
Market Development & Promotion Scheme: A scheme for the development and promotion of the jute market.
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 493
TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.02.2026
PROMOTION OF JUTE LIFESTYLE PRODUCTS
493. SHRI JAGANNATH SARKAR:
Will the Minister of TEXTILES वस्त्र मंत्री
be pleased to state :
(a) the steps taken by the Government to promote jute-based lifestyle products such as floor coverings,
decorative items, furnishing fabrics, bags and jute mats in domestic and international markets;
(b) the total funds allocated for the development and promotion of jute lifestyle products during the last
five years;
(c) whether the Government has introduced any incentives or subsidies for jute artisans, manufacturers,
and exporters to enhance production and competitiveness;
(d) the key challenges faced by the jute industry, including raw material availability, pricing, and market
demand, and the measures taken by the Government to address them; and
(e) whether the Government is taking any steps to integrate jute products into sustainable and eco-
friendly initiatives to boost their appeal among consumers?
उत्तर
ANSWER
वस्त्र राज् य मंत्री (श्री पबित्र मार्घरे रटा)
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR TEXTILES
(SHRI PABITRA MARGHERITA)
(a) to (c): The Government under the National Jute Development Program (NJDP) has been
implementing the Market Development & Promotion Scheme and the Jute Diversification Scheme for
the promotion of jute diversified products. During the last five years, an amount of Rs. 124.45 crore has
been earmarked for the implementation of these schemes. Under NJDP schemes, Capital Subsidy for
Acquisition of Plant & Machinery Scheme, Jute Resource cum Production Centre, Jute Raw Material
Bank & Production Linked Incentive schemes, the Government supports jute artisans, manufacturers,
and exporters to enhance production and competitiveness.
(d): The key challenges faced by the jute industry are obsolete machinery and technology,
competition with synthetic fibres, average quality & fluctuation in price of raw jute. To address the
challenges, the Government has been implementing the NJDP to promote the overall development of the
jute sector. Under the provisions of the Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory Use in Packaging
Commodities) Act, 1987, the Government ensures a minimum percentage of food grains and sugar is
packaged in jute material to support the jute industry and farmers. Further, the Government incentivize
jute farmers by the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for jute.
(e): Jute is a biodegradable and sustainable product. The Government has been implementing NJDP
with the aim of exploring the potential of jute use in both textile and non-textile applications, with value
addition. Additionally, the Government has taken steps to boost the appeal of jute products among
consumers through mass awareness campaigns, the display and promotion of diversified jute products
through participation in jute fairs & exhibitions, and the facilitation of jute exporters' participation in
international trade fairs/exhibitions, and the in centivisation of their sales.
****