Until 1987, jute was Bangladesh’s number one foreign currency earner. While most of the decline of jute is due to the emergence of synthetic fiber, mismanagement and malpractice in the jute sector have also contributed.

 

Considered by many to be on the verge of its economic insignificance, jute actually has (based on its physical and chemical properties) many alternative uses, of which pulp made from jute for paper-making is one of the most promising uses of jute. Indeed, in India, the share of paper made from jute amounted to 31 percent in 2000.

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For further details, please see:
Jahan, M. Sarwar; Bernhard G. Gunter; and A. F. M. Ataur Rahman (2009) “Substituting Wood with Nonwood Fibers in Paper-making: A Win-Win Solution for Bangladesh”, Falls Church, VA, USA: Bangladesh Development Research Center (BDRC), Bangladesh Development Research Working Paper Series (BDRWPS), BDRWPS No. 4 (January); available at: http://www.bangladeshstudies.org/BDRWPS-home.html

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For detailed information about jute (including its cultivation, history, properties,
production and uses), please see:

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• Jute – From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jute
 

• Jute – From Banglapedia

http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/J_0135.htm

Copyright © 1998 by Banglapedia

For information specifically on Bangladesh’s jute carpets, please see: http://banglapedia.search.com.bd/HT/J_0136.htm

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Jute Pictures

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For a set of jute pictures showing its sowing, weeding, growing, retting, fiber extraction, washing, drying, and transportation, please see: http://www.jute.org/prod_gallery.htm

Another set of jute pictures is available at: http://www.bjmc.gov.bd/gallery.asp

For a set of 25 great pictures on jute workers in Bangladesh, please see: http://www.lightstalkers.org/galleries/contact_sheet/14588

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