Jute
(Corchorus sp.) is the principal bast fibre crop of Assam. It has two
cultivated species, C. olitorius (Tossa jute) and C. capsularis (White
Jute), Jute is one of the cheapest source of plant fibre of primary importance.
Fibre is extracted from the bark of jute stem and therefore, it is known as the
bast fibre. Jute fibre is extensively used for the manufacturing of gunny bags,
packaging materials, sacking, cordage and many such types of materials.
Now-a-days, several valuable and attractive diversified products like
ear-rings, apparels, garments, chappals,
dresses, partition boards, papers, mats etc. are manufactured from jute fibres
blending with other natural as well as synthetic fibres. Such attractive
products are even used now-a-days in fashion technology. Jute fibre is
bio-degradable and eco-friendly. The crop is grown in Assam since long back. The
soil and climatic condition of large part of the state is favourable for
growing jute and well fitted to the prevailing jute – rice cropping sequence of
Assam.
