Cultivation of Jute

Jute (Corchorus spp.) is a natural fiber crop primarily grown for its fiber, which is used in making burlap, ropes, sacks, and other products. It is one of the most important fiber crops in the world after cotton.

Botanical Classification

• Botanical Name: Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus capsularis
• Family: Tiliaceae
• Origin: South Asia, particularly in India and Bangladesh
• Common Names: Jute, “The Golden Fiber” (due to its golden color when harvested)

Major Jute-Producing States in India

• West Bengal: The largest producer of jute in India.
• Bihar: Another significant producer.
• Assam, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh also contribute to jute cultivation in India.

Uses of Jute

• Textiles: Jute fibers are used to make sacks, bags, ropes, and carpets.
• Paper: Jute is used in the paper and pulp industry.
• Geotextiles: Jute fibers are used for making environmental-friendly geotextiles, which help in erosion control.

Climate and Soil Requirements

• Climate:
  • Jute grows best in tropical and sub-tropical climates.
  • Temperature: Ideal range is between 25°C to 35°C. Jute requires a warm and humid climate with sufficient rainfall.
  • Rainfall: Around 1500 mm to 2500 mm of rainfall annually.
  • Humidity: High humidity (75-85%) is favorable for better growth.
• Soil:
  • Jute grows well in alluvial soil with good drainage.
  • The soil should be rich in organic matter, fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6-7).
  • Well-irrigated fields are preferred, but jute is quite tolerant of waterlogged conditions during its early growth stages.

Land Preparation

• Field Preparation:
  • The field is prepared by plowing, harrowing, and leveling to provide a fine seedbed.
  • If the soil is heavy, the land should be prepared with proper drainage to avoid waterlogging, especially during the monsoon season.

Time of Sowing

• Kharif Season: Jute is typically sown in the monsoon season from May to June. The sowing is done after the first monsoon rains.
• Spacing:
  • For broadcasting, the seed rate is about 5-7 kg/ha.
  • For row planting, the spacing is 20-30 cm between rows and 5-7 cm between plants.

Varieties of Jute

• Tossa Jute: Corchorus olitorius (higher fiber yield and quality) Examples: JRO-524, JRC-212, and JRC-108
• White Jute: Corchorus capsularis (preferred for coarse fibers) Examples: KDH-1, KDH-2, and Sonali
• Hybrid Varieties: Hybrids like JH-167 are also available, which offer higher yields and disease resistance.

Crop Management

• Water Requirements:
  • Jute requires heavy irrigation throughout its growth stage, especially during the early stages of growth.
  • Flooding the field slightly (20-25 cm) is done to stimulate growth and ensure better fiber production.
• Fertilization:
  • Jute responds well to organic manure. A balanced fertilization schedule is essential for optimal growth.
  • Typically, a fertilizer dose of 20-30 kg N, 20-30 kg P2O5, and 10-15 kg K2O per hectare is applied.

Weed and Pest Management

• Weeds:
  • Weeds can significantly affect jute yield, especially in the early growth stages.
  • Pre-emergence herbicides such as Pendimethalin can be used to control weeds.
  • Hand weeding may also be necessary during the early growth stages.

• Pests: Jute is susceptible to pests such as Jute caterpillar and Jute weevil. Insecticides may be required in some cases, but integrated pest management is recommended.
• Diseases: Jute yellow vein mosaic and stem rot are common diseases. Crop rotation with other crops like rice or pulses can help manage these issues.

Harvesting

• Maturity: Jute is usually harvested around 120-150 days after sowing, depending on the variety and environmental conditions.
• Signs of Maturity:
  • The plant is ready for harvest when the leaves start turning yellow and the stems become dry.
  • Stem Cut: The stems are cut just above the ground level, usually when the fiber has fully developed.

Fiber Extraction

• Retting Process:
  • After harvesting, jute plants are soaked in water for a period of 10-15 days to loosen the fibers from the stalk.
  • This process is called retting, and it is done in ponds or canals. The fibers are then separated from the stalk.
• Fiber Processing: After retting, the fibers are washed, dried, and then spun into yarn for further processing.

Yield

• Average Yield:
  • In India, the average yield of jute is around 1.0 to 2.0 tons per hectare.
  • Yield can vary depending on climatic conditions, variety, and crop management practices.

Post-Harvest Handling

• Storage:
  • Jute fibers are generally stored in dry, well-ventilated spaces to prevent mold growth.
  • The fibers are packed into bales for transport to processing units.