Lack of rainfall will probably hurt production of raw jute this year in West Bengal.
Distribution of free jute seeds to four lakh farmers cannot be done due to fear of violating Model Code of Conduct with assembly elections round the corner.
Jute production for the year 2005-06 was 80 lakh bales against production projection of 90 lakh bales.
Further decline in raw jute production is expected during current fiscal, industry experts predicted.
Production for 2006-07 could be estimated around 75 lakh bales.
Late March to mid-May is peak sowing season in Burdwan, East and West Midnapore, Nadia, North and South 24-Parganas, Murshidabad and Malda districts.
marketing@alchempro.com
