Title: Need to ensure that Jute Corporation of India purchase raw jute from jute growers directly particularly in North Bengal. -Laid
SHRI AMAR ROY PRADHAN (COOCHBEHAR): Sir, raw jute is coming in the markets of North Bengal, particularly in the districts Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and W. Dinajpur. There is no purchaser. The Jute Corporation of India is not taking adequate measures to purchase raw jute. Jute is a cash crop. About three crore people are directly involved in producing raw jute. About 60 lakh workers are working in jute industry throughout the country. We earn foreign money at the rate of Rs.1,000 crore every year. But the poor raw jute growers are being forced to sell their raw jute at the rate of Rs.250/- to Rs.300/per quintal for W.R. 4 or 5 quality, which is not even the half of the rate of support price as announced by the Central Government.
I like to draw the attention of the hon. Commerce Minister to come forward to save these poor raw jute growers from the clutches of middlemen and send necessary direction and money so that officers may start purchasing raw jute from the growers only.
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… (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN : The Chair requests all the Members to resume their seats. All of you may cooperate. Please go and resume your seats.
16.06 hrs
At this stage, Shri Sansuma Khunggur Bwiswmuthiary came and stood on the floor near the Table.
MR. CHAIRMAN: A very important statement is to be made by the Minister. Please resume your seats.
… (Interruptions)
MR. CHAIRMAN: You have already shown your feelings twice.
16.07 hrs
At this stage, Shri Sansuma Khunggur Bwiswmuthiary went back to his seats.
MR. CHAIRMAN: Now statement by Minister.