In pursuance of the Jute Packaging Material (JPM) Act, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the packaging of 90% of the production of foodgrains and 90% of the production of sugar in the jute packaging material for the Jute Year 2011-12 (July, 2011 to June, 2012), with the following exemptions:

(i) Sugar packed for export but which could not be exported will be exempted from the operation of the Order on the basis of an assessment by and request of the Department of Food and Public Distribution. For such exemptions, separate guidelines will be prepared.

(ii) Following will be out of the purview of the above reservation:

a) Sugar fortified with Vitamins;
b) Packaging for export of the commodities;
c) Small consumer packs of 25 Kgs and below; and
d) Bulk packaging of more than 100 Kgs

(iii) In case of any shortage or disruption in supply of jute packaging material or in other contingency/exigency, the Ministry of Textiles will, in consultation with the user Ministries concerned, relax these provisions further, upto a maximum of 20% of the production of foodgrains and sugar.

The decision will provide relief to 3.7 lakh workers employed in jute mills and ancillary units as well as support the livelihood of around 40 lakh farm families. Besides, it will help to protect the environment because jute is natural, biodegradable and reusable fibre.

Under the Jute Packaging Materials (Compulsory use in Packing Commodities) Act, 1987 (JPM Act), the Government is required to consider and provide for the compulsory use of jute packaging material in the supply and distribution of certain commodities in the interest of production of raw jute and jute packaging material and of persons engaged in the production and for connected matters.