Over-dependence on govt purchases hurting jute industry: Union minister Darshana Jardosh

New Delhi, Nov 14 (KNN) There is a need to modernize and diversify the jute products range to reduce reliance on government purchases of gunny bags, Union minister Darshana Vikram Jardosh said on Saturday.

Speaking on the side-lines of a Bharat Chamber of Commerce’s event, the minister of state for textiles and railways said, "A lot has to be done for the jute industry. There is negligible value addition and the sector is dependent on government procurement. Modernization and diversification of products are essential for the sector to become sustainable."

A major portion of the Rs 10,000 crore sector is dependent on jute bags procured by the government for the storage of food grains and other essential items.

The jute sector is responsible for the livelihood of around 30 lakh jute growers. The sector employs nearly 2.5 lakh workers.

Jardosh at the event also pointed out that the Railways is supporting the handloom sector by opening kiosks under the 'one station one product' policy.

Eastern Railways Additional General Manager Jaideep Gupta said that 57 stations under the zone have been identified and the scheme is operational for the last three months. Under the scheme, a handicraft artist or a vendor can reserve a kiosk for a small amount of fee for 15 days.  (KNN Bureau)