India is the second largest producer of jute which is also India’s second most important fiber crop after cotton. West Bengal produces about 65% of India’s jute, occupying the leading position in jute production. Most jute cultivation is located in the states that lie along the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta in West Bengal as well as in Assam, Bihar and Orissa. Over the years, jute cultivation has spread to the states of Meghalaya, Tripura, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Bihar produces the second largest amount of jute in the country, with important jute producing districts in Purnea, Katihar, Saharsa, and Darbhanga. Assam also has a considerable amount of jute cultivating sectors such as Kamrup, Goalpara,Tezpur, Sibsagar, Darrang, and Nowgong. India also imports some raw jute from Bangladesh and exports jute goods and products.
Jute’s popularity stems from its softness, affordability, strength, luster, and the uniformity of its fiber. It has many uses involving the creation of carpets, rugs, upholstery, clothes, and pieces used for decorations.