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When NCJD came into operation in 1995, there were about 500 units engaged in jute diversification work. These units were
located close to jute growing areas only and their product mix, standard of finish and production capacity were barely sufficient to cover local / domestic requirements. With the passing of years and the
implementation of various promotional schemes by NCJD, considerable advancement has been attained in jute diversification both geographically as well as in the range of products. By 1997 nearly 700 units were engaged in
various jute diversification activities. NCJD, through it JEA Scheme and NGO Scheme, added another nearly 300 units by December, 2001. |
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While jute has primarily remained in 'packaging' and 'bags' territory and will perhaps remain there for long, the other areas where
it has started to find good market are:  floor covering
furnishing fabrics handicraft wall hangings showpieces etc. Due to its natural content and congenial appearance it has also been
well taken in the up market 'office stationery' segment. Here jute made pulp and hand made paper has found worthwhile application. Handmade paper being strong, having good load bearing capacity,
not-easily-tearable and also can be attractively dyed, has proved to be good material for making carry bags, folders, packets, gift boxes and such other consumables.  Another new area where application
experimentation of jute material has proved promising is in the footwear segment. The products are jute slippers, shoes and disposable slip-ons. Shoe uppers of different
designs and uses are fast finding place in the wish list of consumers. The disposable variety is ideally suited for the hospitality sector, hotels in particular. Jute made blankets, comforters, coverlets have
proved to be useful in the hilly and mountainous regions where protection from cold is a round the year exercise. The purpose is served better because of its low cost which makes it affordable and
accessible to the poor inhabitants in these remote locations. Amongst the high end technology products are jute composites,
geo-jute and machine made paper, shoe bed, fine-yarn spinning, jute and jute blended yarn and superior grade fabric.All these above described products are later developments and are
still in the process of continuous improvisation and development. However, amongst the newest upcoming areas which holds promise are the knockdown furniture and household interior products. Jute
made composite tiles have been well appreciated and have been requisitioned in some of the European countries for use as exterior lining to concrete structures like building, stadium etc. Also
non-woven jute products and jute molded products hold good promise both in the consumer durable sector as well as for industrial use.  Application of jute in the diverse areas is opening new vistas in its usefulness. Not
only is jute bringing about cleanliness in the environment it is also making way for a nature friendly plant fibre enter the daily lives of human. Gradual replacement of conventional material with jute will certainly
go a longway in saving forest resources such as wood. Additionally, jute product making technology especially in handicrafts and handloom being at the lower end of technology,
require low skill for their application. Because of this the diversified jute sector is able to provide sizeable employment especially in the rural areas and amongst women. It also contributes in keeping ethnic
art forms alive. Depending on the perfection and creativity of the artisans and craftpersons, the products find their way to the respective markets.
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