Growth and Instability of Jute Production in Assam

Jute is one of the cheapest, strongest and most versatile of all natural fibres and is second only to cotton in amount produced and variety of uses. Assam is the largest producer of raw jute amongst the North Eastern states and is the third largest producer in the country. The state has produced 625575 bales during 2010–11. Assam registered the highest growth rate of production (2.18 per cent) during 1951–60 and highest productivity (1.86 per cent) during the year 1961–1970. The highest significant growth rate of area (10.60 per cent) was observed in Kokrajahar district while the highest production (14.36 per cent) and productivity (9.80 per cent) was observed in Goalpara district during the year 2001–2010. The most stable district for area under Jute was Kamrup (5.08 per cent), for production N.C. Hills (12.80 per cent) and for productivity Bongaigaon district (17.57 per cent), respectively.