Govt approves extension of mandatory 100% Jute packaging for food grains, 20% for sugar

New Delhi, Feb 22 (KNN) The government has approved an extension for mandatory packaging of 100 per cent food grains and 20 per cent sugar in jute bags, sources said.

The reservation norms for mandatory use of jute in packaging for Jute Year 2022-23 (July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023) were cleared at a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This decision by the government will provide relief to 3.7 lakh workers employed in jute mills and ancillary units as well as support the livelihood of several lakh farm families, they added.

The government purchases jute sacking bags worth approximately Rs 9,000 crore every year for packing of food grains, thereby ensuring guaranteed market for the produce of jute farmers and workers.

Jute is a perfect alternative as it is natural, bio- degradable, renewable and reusable fibre and hence fulfils all sustainability parameters.

The jute industry plays an important role in the economies of West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, Meghalaya, besides Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.  (KNN Bureau)