Date:03/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/03/stories/2009010359630400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Smaller players in jute sector find the going tough

Staff Reporter

— Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

Wide range: A visitor at the Jute Buyer-Seller Meet at FKCCI in Bangalore on Friday.

BANGALORE: Dominated by corporates, smaller players in the jute business are finding it difficult to sustain themselves without adequate publicity, D. Muralidhar, president of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said at the inauguration of the Jute Buyer-Seller Meet here on Friday. “We have set a growth target of 20 to 25 per cent for the jute industry,” he said, “and more publicity for jute products will enable smaller business firms to patronise jute products.”

The jute industry exports touched Rs. 1,200 crore for 2007-08.

T. Ayyappan, Market Promotion Officer, Jute Manufacturers Development Council, said that Kerala led the diversified jute products exports market by generating revenue worth over Rs. 200 crore. “Karnataka comes second as the jute industry here has some of the best designers, better range and finish, and better quality than most other States,” he said.

The north-eastern States fared better in the traditional products market, he added.