Jute Story

When India was partitioned in 1947, eighty percent of the jute cultivation and production went to erstwhile East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, creating a new reality for the jute economy in India. Once a part of the same country today India and Bangladesh are tough competitors in the production of jute – a fibre that is becoming increasingly popular in the market of sustainable fabrics. In 2019, as a part of the documentation of some of the success stories in the MSME sector by UNDP North East. I was assigned to document the agro, handloom, handicraft and jute sectors. Thus, began my journey of exploring the lesser-known jute industry of Assam – the products of which are coveted across the world.

While fashion designers across the world are incorporating this ‘golden fibre’ into their clothing lines, thanks to its earthy texture and classy look, merchandise companies are marketing their sustainable products–jute bags, mats, slippers and rugs, and a plethora of other products. Jute is 100% bio-degradable, is recyclable and environmentally friendly, with a high carbon dioxide assimilation rate. It is one of the most versatile natural fibers used in packaging, textiles, non-textile, construction and agricultural sectors. Jute is also used to make the best quality industrial yarn, fabric, net, and sacks, thus providing livelihood to more than 250,000 mill workers and more than 4 million farmers’ families in the country.

While 92% of the jute of the world comes from India and Bangladesh alone, Assam is one of the few states in India which cultivates and processes jute. Nagaon, Goalpara, Barpeta and Darrang districts are the main jute-producing districts in the state.

Enjoy a glimpse of the jute production in Assam captured through my lens in this photo essay. It, right now, only shows the initial stage of rope making but more is about to come.