November 28, 2001
'19'
| RAJYA SABHA |
JUTE EXPORT
In order to assist jute growers, Government declares Minimum Support Price of raw jute/mesta every year. In addition, Jute Packaging Material Act, 1987, provides for compulsory packaging of certain commodities in jute packaging material, which helps jute growers in marketing their produce. A centrally sponsored on special Jute Development Programme was in operation from 1992-93. This scheme since, October 2000 has been subsumed under Macro Management Mode of Agriculture providing flexibility to State Governments to take up need-based programmes.
It was also decided by the Jute Manufactures Development Council (JMDC) to restructure the External Market Assistance (EMA) scheme for export of diversified jute products. For this purpose, a study was undertaken by the JMDC to evaluate the contribution of EMA scheme in export of jute goods. The study recommended the continuation of the EMA scheme with thrust on enhanced exports. A new policy was formulated which came into effect from 1st April, 2000. At present, the scheme is reviewed annually by the JMDC, keeping in view the market conditions, and extended with suitable modifications.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Textiles, Mr. V. Dhananjaya Kumar in a written reply to a question by Shri Brahmakumar Bhatt today in Rajya Sabha.