Question

consider these statements regarding the Jute Industry, Which of the statements is/are correct?

1. Jute is known as the "Golden Fiber."
2. The first jute mill was established in 1855 in Rashra.
3. Andhra Pradesh is the leading state in jute production in India.

• A. ii, iii
• B. i, iii
• C. i, ii
• D. ii only

Answer 1

Answer:

C. i, ii

The Jute Industry in India

Statement 1: Jute is known as the "Golden Fiber."

• This statement is correct. Jute is widely referred to as the "Golden Fiber" due to its natural golden-brown color and its significant economic importance as a versatile natural fiber.
• It is a biodegradable and renewable resource, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fibers.

Statement 2: The first jute mill was established in 1855 in Rishra.

• This statement is correct. The first jute mill in India, and indeed the world, was established in 1855 at Rishra, near Serampore in West Bengal.
• This marked the beginning of the organized jute industry in India, which later became a major contributor to the country's economy, especially during the British colonial era.
• The establishment of this mill was by a Scottish entrepreneur, George Ackland.

Statement 3: Andhra Pradesh is the leading state in jute production in India.

• This statement is incorrect. West Bengal is the leading state in jute production in India, accounting for the largest share of the country's total jute output.
• Other significant jute-producing states include Bihar, Odisha, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Andhra Pradesh is known for other agricultural products, not jute.

Key Aspects of the Jute Industry:

• Location: The jute industry is predominantly concentrated in the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta region, primarily in West Bengal, due to the availability of raw jute, water, and labor.
• Products: Jute is used to produce a wide range of products, including Hessian cloth, sacking, carpet backing, ropes, mats, and decorative items.
• Economic Significance: The jute industry is a significant source of employment and foreign exchange earnings for India.
• Challenges: The industry faces challenges such as competition from synthetic fibers, fluctuating raw material prices, and the need for modernization.