Jute sack standard dilution has hit PDS, storage: FCI

FCI has the responsibility for maintaining a buffer stock for a period of eight to 12 months, at least

Government-owned Food Corporation of India (FCI) says the jute industry’s standard for sacks (also termed gunny bags) has been insensibly diluted, to its loss and that of grain storage.

FCI, largest consumer of jute, says this has meant problems for the Public Distribution System (PDS). Each year, the agency buys 0.8-1 million tonnes of sacking, valued at Rs 6,000 crore, on behalf of itself and state procurement agencies.

In a letter to the government’s Jute Commissioner, it has said: “During the last one year, specifications of jute gunny bags have been revised two times, diluting bag weight, breaking strength, etc. Thereby, FCI