Date:13/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/13/stories/2008021353660500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

JCI directive puts growers in dilemma

Correspondent

It offers higher than market price per quintal

VIZIANAGARAM: The Jute Corporation of India has stopped lifting stocks for the last couple of days following a directive from its head office thus pushing the growers into a dilemma. Usually, the corporation lifts stocks till the end of February. According to A.G. Prasad, Regional Manager of JCI, the procurement was suspended to complete inventory of the available lose stock. They would once again begin procurement after obtaining permission letter from higher officials, he added. Unofficial reports confirmed that the corporation was unwilling to lift the poor quality ‘Bheemili” variety grown in this region.

This year, as the rate per quintal being offered by the JCI is higher than the market price the growers transported stocks to the 11 purchasing points (six in Vizianagaram and five in Srikakulam). The rate for bottom (base grade) is Rs.997 per quintal, B-bottom Rs.937 and X-bottom Rs.802. It has already lifted 51,265 quintals worth Rs. 4.52 crores against the total production of 5.50 lakh quintals. Mr. Prasad told The Hindu on Tuesday that the corporation, for various reasons, had restricted to lifting only 15 per cent of the total produce.

The jute available in these parts is mainly B-bottom and X-bottom. The factors for growing poor variety are non-availability of developed seed and retting tanks. The retting is done here in shallow and stagnant water. Because of poor quality the jute mills are importing quality jute from West Bengal and elsewhere.