Jute Sector in India:
India’s Jute sector has gained attention as the country continues to lead global raw jute production, producing 76 lakh bales of raw jute and 12.80 lakh MT of jute goods in FY 2025-26, while supporting millions of livelihoods.Government interventions, technological innovations and product diversification are strengthening the jute value chain, positioning jute (the Golden Fibre) as a biodegradable and sustainable alternative to synthetic materials with growing global potential.Jute is one of India’s most important natural fibres, known for its strength, durability, biodegradability and wide range of applications in packaging, textiles, construction and technical products. Due to its golden colour and silky lustre, jute is popularly known as the “Golden Fibre”.In trade and industrial usage, jute and mesta are collectively classified as raw jute due to their similar end uses.Mesta is a bast fibre crop cultivated as a cost-effective alternative to jute, particularly in relatively drier agro-climatic regions.Global Position of India: India is the world’s largest producer of raw jute. According to the Third Advance Estimate (2025-26), jute and mesta production increased from 88.02 lakh bales in 2024-25 to 94.03 lakh bales in 2025-26.India is also a global leader in jute goods production, accounting for around 75% of world production (July 2026), with domestic output largely meeting national demand and ensuring self-reliance in jute goods production.Jute cultivation is concentrated mainly in eastern and northeastern India due to suitable agro-climatic conditions. West Bengal accounts for the largest share of raw jute cultivation in India, followed by Bihar, Assam, Odisha and Jharkhand.Jute is generally sown during March-April and harvested within 100–110 days. It requires a hot and humid climate with around 700–1,500 mm rainfall during the growing period.
