Science Journal of Agricultural Research and Management

February 2015, Volume 2015, ISSN: 2276-8572

© Author(s) 2015. This work is distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

Research Article

 

Strategies for Resuscitating the Production of Jute Sacks in Nigeria

Oloruntoba, K.D.1, Indagawa, R. A .2, Jolaoso, M.A.3 and Ibrahim, H.D.4

Raw Materials Research and Development Council, PMB. 232, Garki, Abuja

Accepted 21 January, 2015; Available Online 16 February, 2015

doi: 10.7237/sjarm/265

Abstract:

The use of jute sacks in Nigeria dates back to the 1960`s when it was used for packaging agro raw materials like cocoa, groundnut, coffee, cotton, e.t.c for local consumption and export. Due to increased demand for jute sacks, the Federal Government was prompted to establish two factories in the Country, solely for the production of jute sacks. However, the production level could not meet the requirement of the industry due to a number of factors which include inadequate supply of raw materials which is basically kenaf fibre, lack of technological know-how and equipment, e.t.c. Consequently, the factories have since closed down and commodity exporters have switched to the use of synthetic sacks for packaging of agricultural produce. In the early 2000's, there was re-awakening of international interest in natural fibres following the ban on haulage of agricultural commodities and allied products in synthetic sacks in the international markets. The demand for jute sacks in Nigeria was therefore met through importation, leading to a minimum annual expenditure of 15 million US dollars. In addition, with the recent renewed interest by the government for expanded production of agricultural products for export, being part of the Federal Government Transformation Agenda, it has become imperative for the government to deliberately promote the production of kenaf and establish pilot plants for production of jute sacks from kenaf in the country. This paper therefore reviewed the strategies required for the resuscitation of jute sacks production in the country, which include; increase kenaf fibre production; improve technological know-how and innovation; increase investment in the sector through publicprivate partnership arrangement; increase consumer awareness by highlighting the environmental friendliness of kenaf products. With the proper harnessing of these factors, the great potential in kenaf plants and jute sacks production in Nigeria would be exploited towards enhancing the economic well-being of the farmers, processors, exporters and others involved along the value chain.

Keyword:Jute Sacks, Kenaf Fibre, Agricultural Commodity and Resuscitation

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