India’s jute and mesta production has continued its declining trend in the current 2024–25 season, despite a consistent increase in the government’s purchase support price. According to the latest production estimates, jute (including mesta) production has declined by 11 per cent to 86.25 lakh tons. Over the past decade, production has dropped by 22.48 per cent, down from 111.26 lakh tons in 2014–15.

India’s Ministry of Agriculture recently released its second advance estimates for the current 2024–25 season. Jute production has fallen to 83.08 lakh tons from 92.52 lakh tons in the previous season (2023–24). It was recorded at 106.18 lakh tons in 2014–15. Meanwhile, mesta production has decreased to 3.16 lakh tons from 4.41 lakh tons in 2023–24 and 5.08 lakh tons in 2014–15. Mesta is a similar fibre with distinct properties from jute and is produced in select regions of the country.

The Indian government is making efforts to promote jute production, but multiple factors continue to hinder its endeavours. A key challenge is that farmers have refrained from cultivation despite regular increases in the minimum support price (MSP). The government provides a purchase guarantee at a pre-determined price, which is announced during the sowing season.

The MSP has risen by 122 per cent over the past decade, reaching ₹5,335 per quintal in 2024–25 from ₹2,400 per quintal in 2014–15. In previous years, the MSP was ₹4,225 in 2020–21, ₹4,500 in 2021–22, ₹4,750 in 2022–23, and ₹5,050 per quintal in 2023–24.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)

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India's jute production dips 22% to 86 lakh tons over the last decade

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