Question

Describe the methods of cultivation and processing of jute in India.

Answer 1

Hint: Jute is a natural fibre that is long, soft and shiny and it is spun into strong threads. It is the most affordable natural fibres and is second in terms of cultivation and usage after cotton. It is one of the most important natural fibres that are cultivated in India as 85% of the world’s jute cultivation is concentrated in the Ganges Delta region.

Complete answer: The cultivation of jute begins with the farmer scattering seeds on the soil. Then the jute plants start to grow and grow up to a height of 15-20 cm after which it is thinned and is harvested after four months of planting it. In harvesting, the stalks are cut off close to the ground and tied in bundles and are soaked in water for 20 days. This process is done to separate the jute fibres. After this, the process of retting comes which is done by various processes such as mechanical retting, chemical retting, water or microbial retting etc. In the process of retting, the fibres are separated from the stem. It takes around 20 days as the jute stalk is tied to bundles and submerged under running water. After this, the jute stalk is hit with a wooden hammer so that the fibres get loose. The fibre is then washed and dried on bamboo poles and then are tied into small bundles for it to be sold.

Note: Jute plants grow up to a height of 15-20 cm and then are thinned. The process of jute production involves cultivation, retting and production into threads. The Major producers of jute in the world are India, Bangladesh, China, Thailand, Myanmar.