1. Origin
Jute is one of the oldest and most significant fiber crops known to humanity, believed to have originated in the Indo-Burma region, encompassing parts of present-day India and Bangladesh. Historical evidence indicates its use dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization for crafting ropes, clothing, and packaging materials. Of the two commercially cultivated species, Corchorus capsularis and Corchorus olitorius, tossa jute (olitorius) is renowned for its superior fiber quality. Jute's traditional role in South Asian culture highlights its enduring utility.
2. Geographical Distribution in India
Jute is predominantly grown in eastern and northeastern India. West Bengal alone contributes over 75% of India's production due to its ideal climatic and soil conditions and access to water for retting. Other producing states include Assam, Bihar, Odisha, Tripura, and eastern Uttar Pradesh. The alluvial plains of the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta are particularly favorable for jute farming.
3. Economic Importance
- Called the "Golden Fiber" for its color and value.
- Biodegradable, eco-friendly, and renewable, offering an alternative to plastic.
- Used in bags, ropes, mats, handicrafts, geo-textiles, and upholstery.
- Supports rural employment and contributes to India’s export economy.
- Essential to the jute industry centered around Kolkata.
4. Soil and Climatic Requirements
Jute thrives in fertile, well-drained alluvial loam soils rich in organic matter. Optimal soil pH is 6.0 to 7.5. It prefers a warm, humid climate with temperatures between 24°C and 35°C and annual rainfall of 150–200 cm. Cloudy conditions aid growth, but water stagnation must be avoided.
5. Land Preparation
The land is ploughed 3–5 times to a fine tilth, followed by leveling. Well-decomposed FYM at 5–10 tons/ha is incorporated. Uniform leveling supports proper seed sowing and irrigation.
6. Varieties Developed in India
Capsularis: JRC 212, JRC 321, JRC 7447
Olitorius: JRO 524, JRO 8432, JBO 2003H, JRO 66
Varieties are selected for yield, disease resistance, adaptability, and fiber quality.
7. Seed Requirement
- Capsularis: 10–12 kg/ha
- Olitorius: 6–8 kg/ha
- Seeds are treated with fungicides like Carbendazim or Thiram @ 2 g/kg.
8. Sowing Time
Sowing begins in March and continues until early June, depending on pre-monsoon rains. Line sowing improves crop management over broadcasting.
9. Cropping Systems
- Sole cropping or intercropping with sesame, maize, or pulses.
- Common rotations: Jute–Rice–Potato; Jute–Wheat–Pulses.
- Rotation helps break pest cycles and improve soil fertility.
10. Fertilizer Requirements
Recommendation: 60:30:30 kg/ha N:P:K
Apply half nitrogen and all P & K at sowing. Top-dress remaining nitrogen at 30–35 DAS. Zinc and boron supplements in deficient soils improve fiber quality.
11. Water Requirements
Mostly rainfed. Light irrigation at 5–7 day intervals may be needed during dry periods, especially at germination and early growth. Avoid waterlogging.
12. Weed Management
Weeding is essential during the first 30–45 days. Manual weeding is common at 20 and 35 DAS. Use Pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha as a pre-emergence herbicide. Line sowing facilitates use of wheel hoes.
13. Diseases and Their Management
- Stem Rot: Avoid waterlogging, rotate crops, use fungicide sprays.
- Anthracnose: Treat seeds; spray Mancozeb (0.2%) or Carbendazim (0.1%).
- Hooghly Wilt: Use resistant varieties; crop rotation and sanitation.
- Root Knot Nematodes: Deep ploughing and organic amendments.
14. Insect Pests and Their Management
- Jute Hairy Caterpillar: Manual removal; use Chlorpyrifos spray.
- Semilooper: Use light traps and neem extracts.
- Aphids: Apply Dimethoate (0.03%) or Imidacloprid.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is recommended.
15. Harvesting & Threshing
Jute is harvested after 120–150 days. Plants are cut, bundled, and submerged for retting (10–20 days). After retting, fibers are stripped, washed, and sun-dried. Seeds are collected by drying and threshing mature pods.
16. Yield of Crop
Fiber yield: 20–25 q/ha (up to 35 q/ha under good management)
Seed yield: 2–3 q/ha
17. Post-Harvest Operations
Proper retting is key to fiber quality. Use clean water and avoid over-retting. After drying, fibers are bundled and stored in dry, ventilated spaces. Grading is based on color, luster, strength, and cleanliness, which affects market value.
Conclusion: Jute is a vital crop for eastern India’s rural economy and green industry. With modern practices and sustainable management, jute offers promise for ecological and economic development.