Varanasi: West Bengal govt will invite representatives of Bhadohi’s carpet industry for meetings with jute producers, mills and major suppliers to explore a practical and sustainable solution to rising prices of jute. In carpet industry, jute is a major raw material, which is sourced largely from West Bengal, which accounts for nearly 70% to 80% of the country’s total raw jute output.West Bengal cabinet minister Umesh Rai visited a carpet export establishment in Bhadohi on Monday and inspected its production unit. Former municipal chairperson Prahlad Das Gupta welcomed him with a traditional ‘angavastram’.A detailed discussion was held on key issues affecting the carpet industry. The meeting was attended by carpet export promotion council committee of the administration member Sanjay Gupta, Brajesh Gupta, MLA Vipul Dubey, BJP president Deepak Mishra and several other dignitaries.Industry representatives raised serious concerns over sharp increase in jute prices. CEPC committee of administration member Sanjay Gupta said jute prices have risen by nearly 150% in recent years, pushing Indian handmade carpet industry into a financial crisis.He said rising cost of raw materials is affecting exporters’ competitiveness and increasing financial burden on the industry. Gupta urged the minister to help create a mechanism, with support from West Bengal govt and relevant agencies, to ensure the availability of jute to the carpet industry at fair and reasonable prices.Rai assured all possible cooperation and said he would invite CEPC and industry representatives to West Bengal and facilitate meetings with jute producers, jute mills and major suppliers to find a workable and lasting solution.Representatives at the meeting expressed hope that the minister’s initiative would help address issues related to jute availability and pricing, bringing relief to the handmade carpet industry.
