On 19th August, 2020 National Seeds Corporation (NSC) and Jute Corporation of India (JCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to improve the production and productivity of raw Jute in the country.
The MoU was signed virtually in the presence of Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar and Union Minister for Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani.
Objective:
The MoU will ensure that the farmers get best quality seeds to meet the demands of varying agro-climate conditions and intensive cropping systems.
Highlights of MoU:
i.Around 10, 000 quintals of certified jute seeds of JRO-204 variety to be distributed to the farmers through JCI in the 2021-22 crop year.
ii.JCI will purchase the certified seeds from NSC and distribute it commercially to the farmers. This is the first ever commercial distribution operation.
iii.The MoU is expected to benefit around 5-6 Lakh farmer families and will also increase the revenue of JCI.
iv.The increase in productivity of Jute, will enhance the income of farmers and will help in achieving the government’s target of doubling the farmer’s income by 2022.
v.Due to low quality seeds/spurious seeds the quality of raw jute produced has been affected, this MoU addresses the issue by distributing best quality seeds to the farmers.
Key Points from Speech:
i.Union Minister Smriti Irani pointed out the immense potential for jute in increasing the use of jute in lining of water bodies, road building and construction of structures to contain landslides in hilly areas.
ii.Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar highlighted the need for preparing a road map for strengthening jute export potential within a fixed time frame.
Agencies Involved in Jute R&D:
Jute Corporation of India (JCI), National Jute Board (NJB) and Central Research Institute for Jute & Allied Fibres (CRIJAF) which are the agencies in this field, promote modern agronomic practices for the improvement in quantity and quality of jute under Jute project ICARE.
Recent Related News:
i.The Union Cabinet has approved the National Technical Textiles Mission. It will cost Rs 1,480 crore. The Objective of this mission is to lead India in the manufacture of technical fabrics used in specific fields like medical,military.
ii.The Department of Agriculture Cooperation & Farmers’ Welfare (DAC&FW) has allocated Rs. 4000 cr to the state governments for the year 2020-21 for Per Drop More Crop component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY- PDMC).
About NSC:
Chairman, Managing Director – Vinod Kumar Gaur
NSC Quality Control Laboratories – New Delhi, Secunderabad, Bhopal & Suratgarh
About JCI:
Chairman, Managing Director – Ajay Kumar Jolly
Headquarters – Kolkata
