Govt makes it mandatory to use jute in packing of food grains

The Union cabinet approved the proposal for compulsory use of jute bags in food grain packing. For sugar packing, the ceiling for compulsory use has been fixed at 20%.

New Delhi: In an important decision that will directly benefit farmers in jute growing states, the Union cabinet Thursday approved the proposal for compulsory use of jute bags in food grain packing. For sugar packing, the ceiling for compulsory use has been fixed at 20%.

“100% food grains and 20% of sugar will be packed in jute sacs. It will lead to increased jute demand in coming years. Every farmer will get an additional income of Rs 10,000 per hectare,” said the minister.

The decision is expected to benefit over 4,00,000 farmers in West Bengal, Odisha, Tripura, Meghalaya and Andhra Pradesh.

The minister said 10% of jute sacs will be open for auction on the Government e-Market place (GeM) portal.

(Article by Krishnanand Tripathi)