Question

Describe the processes involved in the production of jute fibres.

Answer 1

Jute fibre is obtained from the stem of the jute plant. Jute fibres are naturally glued together by a sticky or gummy substance. This sticky substance needs to be removed in order to obtain the fibres. The fibre is extracted from the stem of the jute plant by the process of retting. Thus, the jute plants are cut from the fields when they are in the flowering stage. The stems of the harvested jute plants are immersed in clean pond-water or slow-running streams for a few days to clean and soften the fibre and to facilitate its stripping from the stem. During this time, the stems rot and the fibres are left behind. After a while, the fibres are separated from water by hand. This process of rotting the stems of the plant in water to remove the sticky substance and separate the fibre is known as retting.
Jute is a rough fibre and is not used for making fabrics or cloth for dresses. But it is a strong plant fibre and is, therefore, used for making ropes and jute or gunny bags.