Pakistan’s jute fiber industry faces existential crisis

Pakistan has been manufacturing jute fiber since 1966, but the number of factories currently engaged in this industry has been reduced from 18 to 5, and the industry is facing an existential crisis. Pakistan’s jute fiber manufacturing industry is based on the government’s strategic grain reserves and manufactures jute woven bags for reserves. Although they are non-toxic and environmentally friendly, the price is 60% higher than commonly used plastic bags. Since 99% of manufacturing raw materials rely on imports, industry insiders call on the government to support the large-scale cultivation of jute in the country. This will not only reduce imports, but also create high value-added products to earn foreign exchange through exports.