Why is it in the News?

To provide important information about MSP and agronomy to jute farmers, the Ministry of Textiles launched “Paat-Mitro” - a mobile application, developed by The Jute Corporation of India Limited (JCI) during the ‘Jute Symposium’.

What is Paat Mitro?

• Paat Mitro is a mobile application crafted by the Jute Corporation of India Limited (JCI) with the primary aim of furnishing vital information on Minimum Support Prices (MSP) and agronomy to jute farmers.

Key Features:

• The application is accessible in six languages, ensuring inclusivity.
• All functionalities within the app are provided to users free of charge.
• Paat Mitro offers a comprehensive range of information, encompassing the latest agronomic practices, MSP details, Jute Gradation Parameters, farmer-centric schemes like ‘Jute-ICARE,’ weather forecasts, locations of JCI’s Purchase Centres, and Procurement Policies.
• Farmers can conveniently track the payment status for the raw jute they sell to JCI under the MSP Operation.
• The app integrates advanced technology features such as a Chatbot, facilitating farmers in resolving queries effectively.

Key Information about the Jute Corporation of India Limited (JCI):

• Established in 1971 under the aegis of the Government of India, the Jute Corporation of India Limited (JCI) serves as the official agency dedicated to ensuring minimum support prices (MSP) for jute cultivators.
• JCI functions as the executing body for several Government of India initiatives aimed at enhancing the jute crop and the welfare of jute growers.
• It operates under the administrative purview of the Ministry of Textiles.
• The geographical reach of JCI spans seven states renowned for jute cultivation in India, including West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Orissa, and Andhra Pradesh.
• With an authorized and paid-up capital of Rs. 5 crore, JCI plays a pivotal role in implementing the government's policy decisions, obligatorily purchasing any quantity of jute offered by growers at support rates without quantitative limitations.
• Incurred losses during policy implementation by JCI are subject to reimbursement by the Government of India.