The jute industry occupies an important place in the national economy of India. It is one of the major industries in the eastern region. Particulary in West Bengal.Jute, the golden fibre, meets all the standards for 'safe' packaging in view of being a natural, renewable, biodegradable and eco-friendly product.It is estimated that the jute industry provides direct employment to 0.37 million workers in organized mills and in diversified units including tertiary sector and allied activities and supports the livelihood of around 4.0 million farm families. Inaddition there are a large number of persons engaged in the trade of jute.

There are 79 composite jute mills in India. Out of the total 79 jute mills, 62 jute mills are located in West Bengal, 3 each in Bihar and U.P., 7 in Andhra Pradesh and 1 each in Assam, Orissa, Tripura and Chattisgarh..