Jute sector highlights key issues at standing advisory committee meeting

The Indian Jute Mills Association highlighted several pressing issues at the 32nd Standing Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting in New Delhi, including the challenges faced by the sector due to declining demand for jute bags, officials said.

Key stakeholders such as representatives from the sugar and plastic industry bodies participated in the meeting on Tuesday.

The SAC makes recommendations to the Union government on the mandatory use of jute packaging materials, and packaging norms for essential commodities such as foodgrains and sugar.

The Jute Commissioner's Office (JCO) stressed upon the need for supporting the sector, the IJMA officials said.

An estimated 40 million farmers and 3.5 lakh jute mill workers are dependent on the industry.

The representatives of sugar industry bodies raised concerns about the pricing and quality of jute bags, urging the government to fix rates for sugar jute bags.

"They also noted the reluctance by major buyers like some beverage giants to use jute