Thu, Mar 19,
|
Insights Indian Ministry of Textiles held a State Agriculture Conference on jute and oversaw the signing of an MoU between NEHHDC, National Jute Board and Jute Corporation of India to strengthen the value chain in the Northeastern region. The meeting reviewed sowing progress, seed availability, retting preparedness, Jute-ICARE implementation and geospatial crop monitoring, according to the ministry. |
The Indian Ministry of Textiles convened the State Agriculture Conference on Jute, where stakeholders signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the jute value chain in the North Eastern Region. The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation, National Jute Board, and Jute Corporation of India signed the agreement to improve market access, enhance procurement systems, and promote processing and value addition in the region.
The conference, chaired by Secretary, Textiles Neelam Shami Rao, reviewed the current status of jute cultivation and preparedness for the ongoing crop season. Senior officials from Assam, Odisha, Nagaland and Meghalaya participated, along with representatives from key agencies including the Directorate of Jute Development, ICAR–CRIJAF, and ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre.
Discussions focused on sowing progress, certified seed availability, implementation of improved cultivation practices, and preparedness for retting operations to enhance fibre quality. The Ministry highlighted the ongoing Jute-ICARE scheme, which supports farmers through better seeds, mechanisation tools, and field demonstrations.
ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre presented the Jute Crop Information System, demonstrating how geospatial technology is being used for crop monitoring, acreage estimation and data-driven planning. The Secretary emphasised the need for timely seed supply, improved retting infrastructure, mechanisation, and stronger coordination between Central and State agencies to boost productivity and farmer incomes.