The initiative to mandate jute packaging for nearly two dozen food items under the Jute Packaging Act of 2010 has faltered due to weak implementation, impractical additions of food items, and the high cost of jute compared to plastic. While the law initially succeeded in making jute sacks popular for rice packaging, the influx of rice imported in plastic bags from India caused many traders to revert to plastic.
Key challenges include the inadequate availability of jute sacks, their unsuitability for certain products (like flour and sugar), and the lack of strong political commitment to enforcing the law. Despite environmental concerns over plastic use, many business people question whether jute bags can meet local demand.
Authorities and stakeholders, including environmentalists, urge the government to prioritize enforcing jute packaging for key products like rice, wheat, and paddy. Efforts are underway, starting with supermarkets, to promote jute bags, and discussions have been held to address supply issues. However, local jute mills may struggle to meet the demand, requiring further preparation before full implementation can be achieved. Experts suggest a phased approach to enforcing the law to revive the jute industry and benefit the environment.
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