Jute

Jute

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Jute products in Kolkata

Jute is a long, soft, shiny vegetable fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads. It is produced primarily from plants in the genus Corchorus, which belongs to the mallow family (Malvaceae). Jute is one of the most affordable natural fibers and is second only to cotton in terms of production and variety of uses.

Cultivation

Jute field in Bangladesh

Jute is mainly grown in the Ganges Delta, which is shared by Bangladesh and India. The plant requires a warm and humid climate, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 37°C and relative humidity of 70%–80%. It thrives in areas with annual rainfall of 150–250 cm.

Processing

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Retting process of jute

The processing of jute involves several steps, including retting, stripping, washing, and drying. Retting is the process of extracting fibers from the stem of the plant by soaking it in water. After retting, the fibers are stripped from the stalks, washed, and then dried.

Uses

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Jute rope

Jute is used to make a variety of products, including hessian cloth, gunny bags, and carpet backing. It is also used in the production of rope, twine, and yarn. Jute fibers are also used in the manufacture of paper and textiles.

Economic Importance

Jute is an important cash crop for the economies of Bangladesh and India. It provides employment to millions of farmers and workers in the jute industry. The export of jute and jute products is a significant source of foreign exchange for these countries.

Environmental Impact

Jute is considered an environmentally friendly crop because it is biodegradable and recyclable. It also has a low carbon footprint compared to synthetic fibers. Jute cultivation improves soil fertility and helps in carbon sequestration.

Related Pages

• Corchorus
• Natural fiber
• Textile industry
• Bangladesh
• India

Jute plant

Jute sticks

Worker with processed jute

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Jute fabric