Source: TH
Context: The Jute Corporation of India (JCI) raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for raw jute from ₹5,335 to ₹5,650 per quintal for the 2025–26 crop year to curb distress selling by farmers.
About Jute Corporation of India (JCI):
- What it is: JCI is a government-owned price support agency tasked with procuring raw jute at MSP from farmers to ensure fair prices and prevent exploitation.
- Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal.
- Established in: 1971 under Companies Act, 1956.
- Parent Ministry: Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
- Organisational Structure: Operates through Departmental Purchase Centres (DPCs) and cooperatives.
- Key Functions and Initiatives
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- MSP Procurement:
- Buys raw jute/mesta from farmers without quantitative limit at MSP fixed by GoI on CACP’s recommendation.
- Helps stabilize market prices and insulates farmers from middlemen.
- Price Stabilisation: Intervenes in the market via commercial and MSP operations to maintain optimal price range across the jute year.
- Sales and Linkages: Conducts sales through B-Twill linkage, e-auctions, and tenders for mills and industries.
- Jute I-CARE Project:
- Implements scientific retting, seed certification, and modern farming technologies across jute-growing regions.
- Partners with CRIJAF to promote enzyme-based retting and use of certified seeds.
- Farmers’ Outreach and Training:
- Organises Krishi Melas and DPC-level training on grading, yield enhancement, and government schemes (PMFBY, PMKSY).
- Promotes cashless payments, digital awareness, and inclusive farming practices.
- Diversified Products Promotion: Markets eco-friendly products like jute bags, stationery, upholstery, enhancing farmer income and sustainable consumption.
- Remote Sensing with ISRO: Uses space-based data to assess soil, moisture, and crop health for strategic MSP operations.
- MSP Procurement:
