How to Sow Jute Seeds: Learn Jute Farming in 6 Simple Steps

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A textured, light brown burlap background features a circular inset image on the left showing tall, slender green jute plants growing densely. To the right of the inset, several long, brown, dried jute seed pods are displayed, some open to reveal numerous small, dark black seeds. Below the main elements, a green banner reads "Jute Seed Sowing Guide - 6 Easy Steps." The "DESIKHETI" logo is in the top right corner, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom. Given the current location of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India, and the focus on jute seeds and plants, this image likely pertains to jute cultivation practices in that region.

Introduction

Jute, often referred to as the Golden Fibre due to its natural shine and silky texture, is one of the most affordable and sustainable vegetable fibres in the world. In India, jute cultivation plays a vital role in the rural economy, particularly in states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Assam, where the climatic conditions are favourable for its growth. From sacks and ropes to eco-friendly textiles, jute has a wide range of applications and remains in high demand both domestically and internationally.

If you’re planning to start jute farming, this blog is for you. In the following sections, we’ll guide you through 6 simple and effective steps to sow jute seeds.

Step 1: Climate, Soil, and Season for Sowing Jute Seeds

A rural landscape under a cloudy sky features terraced green fields, possibly rice paddies or jute cultivation areas, lining a winding paved road. Lush green vegetation covers the hills in the background, and power lines stretch across the sky. To the right, text reads "Step 1 Climate, Soil and Season for Jute Farming" along with a small circular inset image showing a field of tall, slender green jute plants. The "DESIKHETI" logo is in the top right corner, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom. Given the current location of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India, and the text referring to jute farming, this image likely illustrates the environmental conditions suitable for growing jute in that region. The terraced fields suggest a monsoon climate with sufficient rainfall.

Climate for Jute Cultivation 

Jute grows well in a warm and humid climate. However, extreme temperatures below 20°C or above 40°C can hinder plant growth and reduce yield. It grows best at temperatures between 24°C and 37°C, with 65–90% relative humidity. Moderate rainfall, ranging from 80 to 100 cm annually, supports healthy growth, but prolonged waterlogging can be harmful. Alternating periods of sunshine and rainfall are ideal for better growth.

Soil for Jute Cultivation

Jute grows best in alluvial sandy loam and clay loam soils. Newly deposited grey alluvial soils with good depth and salt deposits from annual floods are especially suitable for jute farming. Capsularis jute is tolerant of standing water, making it ideal for low-lying areas, whereas Olitorius jute is more drought-resistant and prefers lighter soils, but cannot tolerate waterlogging.

Season for Jute Cultivation

Jute is primarily a rainfed crop and is mainly cultivated during the Kharif or monsoon season, as the vegetative growth during this period leads to higher fibre yields. In midland and highland regions, sowing begins with the arrival of summer showers in March and April and continues until early June in the western part of the jute belt. Early sowing of Corchorus olitorius is generally avoided, as it tends to flower prematurely, reducing the quality of the fibre.

Step 2: Selecting the Right Jute Variety

A bunch of vibrant green leafy plants, possibly jute leaves (Corchorus species), is displayed against a white background. The leaves are broad with serrated edges and prominent veins. To the right, text reads "Step 2 Selecting the Right Jute Variety" along with a small circular inset image showing a field of tall, slender green jute plants. The "DESIKHETI" logo is in the top right corner, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom. Given the current location of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India, and the focus on jute, this image likely relates to choosing the appropriate variety of jute for cultivation in that region. The leaves visually resemble those of jute plants.

Various factors such as region, season, climate, fibre quality, colour, and crop duration need to be considered while selecting a jute variety. 

Step 3: Land Preparation for Sowing Jute Seeds

A wide view of a large, plowed field with dark brown soil and visible furrows stretches towards the horizon under a clear, light blue sky. Some remnants of previous crops, appearing as dry stalks, are scattered on the surface. A line of trees is visible in the distant background. To the right, text reads "Step 3 Land Preparation for Sowing Jute Seeds" along with a small circular inset image showing a field of tall, slender green jute plants. The "DESIKHETI" logo is in the top right corner, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom. Given the current location of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India, this image likely depicts the preparation of land for planting jute in that region.

Deep ploughing is necessary because jute has an extensively developed root system. The seedbed should have a fine tilth, as jute seeds are very small. About 5 tons of well-composted farmyard manure can be applied during the final ploughing.

Step 4: Sowing Jute Seeds

A close-up shot shows a fair-skinned hand gently pressing a small, dark seed into dark brown soil. The background is slightly blurred but appears to show more soil and some light-colored stones or debris. To the right, text reads "Step 4 Sowing Jute Seeds" along with a small circular inset image showing a field of tall, slender green jute plants. The "DESIKHETI" logo is in the top right corner, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom. Given the current location of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India, this image likely depicts the process of planting jute seeds in that region.

Jute is generally sown either by broadcasting or by line sowing. In the case of broadcasting, the seed rate is around 7 kg/ha for Corchorus olitorius and around 10 kg/ha for Corchorus capsularis. For line sowing, the seed rate is about 5 kg/ha for Corchorus olitorius with a spacing of 25 x 5 cm. For Corchorus capsularis, the seed rate is approximately 7 kg/ha with a spacing of 30 x 5 cm.

Step 5: Care After Sowing Jute Seeds

A field of young, slender green jute plants (likely Corchorus capsularis) grows densely in light brown soil under a bright sky. The plants are at an early stage of development, with thin stalks and green leaves. To the right, text reads "Step 5 Care After Sowing Jute Seeds" along with a small circular inset image showing a more mature field of tall, slender green jute plants. The "DESIKHETI" logo is in the top right corner, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom. Given the current location of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India, this image likely illustrates the stage of caring for young jute plants after sowing in that region.

Irrigation

Jute is generally grown as a rainfed crop and requires around 500 mm of water during its growth period. The first irrigation needs to be done immediately after sowing, followed by a life-saving irrigation on the 4th day after sowing (DAS). Subsequent irrigation can be done once every 15 days. The critical stages for irrigation are the germination stage and the knee-high stage.

Weed Management

Weed control is crucial during the first 60 days after sowing, as weeds compete with jute for nutrients and can negatively impact fibre quality. Hand weeding can be carried out at 20–25 days after sowing, and again at 35–40 days after sowing the jute seeds.

Step 6: Harvesting Jute

A close-up shows a bundle of tall, dried jute stalks, likely after they have been harvested. The stalks are light brown and fibrous in texture, tightly packed together. To the right, text reads "Step 6 Harvesting Jute." The "DESIKHETI" logo is in the top right corner, and the website address "www.desikheti.com" is at the bottom. Given the current location of Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India, and the visual of processed jute stalks, this image likely depicts the stage of harvesting jute in that region.

Jute is ready for harvest when about 50% of the plants reach the tender pod formation stage. Corchorus olitorius takes around 120–150 days to mature, while Corchorus capsularis takes approximately 180–200 days. Harvesting is done by cutting the plants close to the ground using sickles. The cut plants are then left standing in the field for 2–3 days to allow the leaves to shed.

After this, the plants are ready for retting a crucial process for extracting high-quality fibre. The average fibre yield is 6–8 tonnes per hectare on a wet weight basis. Early harvesting results in finer fibre but a lower yield, while late harvesting increases fibre quantity but makes it coarser due to lignification.

Common FAQs Related to Jute Seed Sowing

Q. What climate is best for growing jute?

A. Jute grows best in a warm and humid climate with temperatures ranging between 24°C and 37°C and relative humidity of 65–90%. 

Q. Which soil is best for growing jute?

A. Jute thrives in well-drained alluvial sandy loam or clay loam soils, especially newly deposited grey alluvial soils that receive silt from annual floods.

Q. What is the scientific name of jute?

A. The two main cultivated species of jute are Corchorus olitorius and Corchorus capsularis.

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