Rising jute import from Bangladesh is a matter of concern and the issue has been taken up with commerce ministry, textiles minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar said in Lok Sabha today.
“Jute from Bangladesh is coming and we can stop it. We have taken up the matter with commerce ministry. The import is rising every year and it is a matter of concern,” he said replying to questions.
Gangwar said jute sector plays an important role in India’s economy, especially in the eastern parts, and supports the livelihood of around 40 lakh families.
The exports are to the tune of Rs 1800 cr annually. Gangwar said his ministry is also in talks with agriculture department to give more incentives to farmers producing and using quality seeds.
The minister lamented that he has not received any positive reply from West Bengal chief minister, Mamata Banerjee over his ministry’s suggestions for encouraging the industry in the state, which produces over 80 percent of jute.
Three out of six mills in the state are closed and the Centre also needs cooperation from the state to resolve the issue.
extile engineering & machine tools, equipment for recycling, waste reduction and pollution prevention, etc.
On the sidelines of the exhibition, the organiser is holding buyer-seller meets to help them interact at the venue.