The National Jute Board (NJB) under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India launched a scheme called “Jute Mark India” (JMI). Everyone involved in manufacture, craft (artisans), retailing of traditional as well as diversified products of jute can register under this scheme. All the registered entities will be eligible for using JMI labels on their products to indicate that the product is of jute origin from India. To create awareness among the prospective users of Jute Mark Labels, Textiles Committee, in association with National Jute Board organised an awareness workshop on Jute Mark India Scheme in Chennai on 28th February 2025.
The programme provided insights on JUTE MARK INDIA LABELS – how to obtain the labels and the benefits of registering and obtaining the labels were discussed. The success stories of the Handloom Mark, Khadi Mark and Silk Mark labels were presented to help motivate the Jute product manufacturers to synchronize the activities for the development of the unique jute products in particular and the economy associated with it in general. The experts from Textiles Committee and National Jute Board imparted necessary guidance to the participants.
The programme was attended by about 60 jute product producers. Many press reporters from various local dailies and Doordharshan came to cover the workshop.
The workshop started with a welcome note by Shri Kartikay Dhanda, Secretary ,Textiles Committee, Mumbai to the Chief guest Ms. R. Lalitha , IAS, Director, Department of Textiles , Govt. of Tamilnadu and the Guest of Honour Shri Bishwanath Bhansali, Deputy Director (MP & SI), National Jute Board, Kolkata and Shri V. Bhoopal, Treasurer, South India Jute Association.
In his Welcome address on Jute Mark India, the Secretary, Textiles Committee, said that Textiles Committee a statutory body under Ministry of Textiles, Government of India has 21 0ffices and 17 laboratories pan India that cater to the needs of the Textile Industry.In 2022, Jute Mark India was discussed and launched, since Textiles committee was the implementing agency for Handloom Mark, in 2023, it was decided that Textiles Committee will be the implementing agency for Jute Mark as well.
He said that, he had a lengthy discussion with the Secretary, Jute Board, on how to improve upon the Jute Products and the know about of Jute Mark India. The label was designed by Jute Board in consultation with Textiles Committee and the concept basically is a branding activity for the Jute Products and it would take the products to the next level with the label. He said that Jute is unique fibre and sustainable, it is the most sustainable natural fibre. Since the whole world is looking for a sustainable fibre, Jute will be in the foremost among other fibres. A lot of trial is going on in the field of blending Jute with other natural fibres like bamboo and silk. He also added that while discussing with the producers in Chennai about the importance of Jute in Chennai he said, that an old gentleman who is into the business for the past twenty five years told him that initially Jute was used as a packing material and now it has diversified and penetrated into the lives of people so much that there are even T shirts made out of it.
Shri Bishwanath Bhansali, Deputy Director(MP & SI) National Jute Board, Kolkata in his speech thanked the Secretary, Textiles Committee for taking up the job of implementing Jute Mark Scheme at the outset. He said that the National Jute Board has various schemes for Jute product manufacturers, manufacturers and exporters. He said that this programme is for the Jute Mark Logos that is very much essential for the authenticity of the Jute Products. He said that these days, many manmade fibres are available in the market in the name of Jute Fibre. Awareness about Jute products is required since no manmade fibre can compete with Jute. Jute fibre is eco friendly and is a natural fibre, in order to give assurance to the buyers that the product is a jute product the logo is developed. He said that any product that has 50% jute in it can have a Jute Mark Logo. The Jute Mark logo is required for both domestic and export market and there are many schemes of National Jute Board for development of training and subsidies for Jute retail outlets, self help groups etc. They also help you to sell your products in the domestic and foreign market. He concluded all help will be extended to the trainees and manufacturers of Jute Products.
Ms. R. Lalitha, IAS, Director, Department of Textiles Govt. of Tamilnadu who was the chief guest in her speech thanked Textiles Committee and the National Jute Boardfor giving her an opportunity to preside over the meet. She said that the Govt. of Tamilnadu is very keen on promoting handlooms and to differentiate traditional handlooms vis a vis textiles as an industry. In order to promote textiles as an industry in the state, the Govt has constituted a new department ie., Department of Textiles the department that she’s heading now to take the state textiles to the National and International Market. She said that the agenda of this department is to understand the requirements of the manufacturers, entrepreneurs and producers of textiles and help them show case their products in the domestic and global forum and increase the economy of the state and the nation as a whole.
She said that Tamilnadu government has banned single use plastics Jute plays an important role in replacing plastics. There are many non- wovens that are really not sustainable products to replace single use plastics, but claim to be. Jute is a natural sustainable fibre and can really replace it. She said that the manufacturers can analyse this fact and capture this market. Diversification of these Jute products can have a huge impact on the market. Since, the domestic and global market demand certification of products and this where Jute mark India plays a role. So, if you have a Jute Mark logo you will be proud and authentic producers of Jute products. She said that since Jute is a completely bio degradable fibre. it can be a very good substitute for single use plastics and requested the manufacturers and producers to capture this niche market. She said they can approach Textiles Committee to find out the process of registration and acquiring the Jute mark logo and also the National Jute Board for the various schemes the Board has introduced for jute product entrepreneurs.
Shri K. C. kaushal , Assistant Director , Textiles Committee briefed the audience on the procedures to acquire Jute Mark Labels.
He explained in detail with powerpoint presentations on how to apply for registration online, Onsite Verification & Entitlement, Execution of Indemnity Bond, Registration of Applicants, Issuance of Labels and Surveillance. He said that Individual Artisan/Entity can submit the application along with article/test report to designated Textiles Committee offices in prescribed format along with application fee & testing charges, as applicable. Textiles Committee will scrutinise the application for its completeness
Textiles Committee will test the sample in its laboratories if test report not provided by applicant from any designated labs of Textiles Committee.
Textiles Committee will conduct the on-site verification at the site of the applicants manufacturing/retail unit on a mutually agreed date to verify documents such as Identity proof, Address proof etc., Production process, and Production capacity, Records of production/Sales & Purchase. Registered user shall affix labels only on verified & eligible products declared & verified during registration/verification .Registered user shall ensure proper use of JMI label and shall maintain details of label utilised along with product details and shall produce JMI label details on demand.
Registration is granted on successful on-site verification & execution of Indemnity bond.
Registered Users will get a registration Certificate, Unique Registration Number, Entitlement for JMI label, On-Line Passbook and JMI labels.
There was a question and answer session wherein all the queries posed by the audience was answered.