Many are the uses of jute

Jute is composed of plant fibres like cellulose and liginin (a major component of wood fibre). Thus it is a combination of ligino-cellulosic fibre which is partially in the form of textile and partially in the form of wood. This is also popularly called Hessian cloth and sacks made out of this fibre are called gunny bags. The fibre has another popular name called ‘burlap’ in America.

As far as growing of this plant is considered, it needs plain alluvian soil and standing water.

Warm and wet climate available during monsoon season is best suited with an atmospheric temperature ranging from 20-40 degree centigrade and relative humidity of 70-80 per cent. A normal rainfall and a little more during sowing period is sufficient for the growth of this plant.

This rain-fed crop needs little fertilisers and pesticides.

Jute fibre is UV protectable and also this can be used as sound and heat insulator. It has anti-static and low thermal conduction properties.

Even the fabric made out of it is CO2 neutral and naturally decomposable.

Like any other natural resource, the jute plant can also be recycled.

Its leaves are used as vegetable in many parts of the world like Western Africa, Nigeria and other places.

Jute fibre is available aplenty with a competitive price which has an added advantage of bio-degradability which cannot be seen in synthetic fibres.

It is also customised to suit various criteria such as non-woven, bitumen treated, rot resistant, etc.

Checking erosion

It is very useful in protecting river banks and strengthening of roads when used as an intervening layer between sub grade and sub phase, filtration by retaining soil particles on the one hand and ensuring permeability on the other.

The fibre comes from its stem and ribbon (outer stem) of the plant which is first extracted by retting.

This process consists of bundling jute stem together and immersing them in low running water.

After this, the process of stripping begins. During this, non-fibrous matter is scalped off and the fibres are taken out.

With the advent of automotive, paper and pulp industries, jute as a product got a major breakthrough and its utility is even found in furniture and bedding.

This ‘golden fibre’ has its utility from seed to plant along with its environment friendly nature.

This can be an alternative to wood; and thereby avoids deforestation.